Results of distracted driving blitz

Following a week-long concerted effort to curb distracted driving, the Calgary Police Service issued 465 summonses between Monday, Nov. 25, 2013 and Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013.

The most common distracted driving violations observed by officers include:

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

So far in 2013, there have been 665 collisions involving distracted driving.

While police will continue their enforcement, the CPS Traffic Section wants to ensure drivers are remaining vigilant and focused on the task at hand, especially in winter driving conditions.

Motorists are reminded to:

• Drive according to the road conditions. Posted speed limits may be too fast for the weather we are experiencing.
• Always leave a safe gap between you and other vehicles, leaving you plenty of time to react if needed.
• Pay particular attention at intersections. Snow often melts under the exhausts of vehicles and then re-freezes making it icy and difficult to stop.
• Take extra care when travelling over bridges where black ice can form.
• Avoid any sudden maneuvers such as braking, accelerating or sharp turns.