Distracted driving top of mind

With winter driving conditions and the busy holiday season upon us, the Calgary Police Service would like to make the roads safe for everyone to enjoy whether they are behind the wheel, a passenger or a pedestrian.

In the coming weeks, a concerted effort will be taken to curb distracted driving.

A combination of plainclothes and uniformed officers will be watching for violations that include:

• using handheld cellphones
• texting or emailing
• using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players (e.g., MP3 players)
• entering information on GPS units
• reading printed materials in the vehicle
• writing, printing or sketching, and
• personal grooming

Anyone of these infractions could net a $172 fine.

Police will also be watching for other traffic infractions, which may be signs of distracted driving, including:

• failing to signal lane changes or unsafe lane changes (which may include erratic driving or wandering in and out of the lanes)
• speeding, not signaling or making wide turns because of not paying attention
• following too close
• driving left of centre (which involves pulling over to the wrong side of the road or curb, on any roadway)
• failing to obey a traffic control device
• careless driving
• failing to yield to a pedestrian

Fines range from $115 for failing to obey a traffic control device up to $575 for failing to stop for a pedestrian.