March Distracted Driving Spotlight

PAPS and SGI would like to remind residents to #TakeCareOutThere and make sure that they are paying attention to the road while driving.

Prince Albert residents in 2017 saw a total of 193 tickets considered “distracted driving” either from using electronic equipment while driving or driving without due care and attention.

If caught, drivers face a $280 fine.

On top of the initial $280 fine, each distracted driving ticket also costs four Safe Driver Recognition (SDR) points – that means additional financial penalties or a loss of insurance discounts. If you’re in the SDR Penalty zone, each lost point costs you $50.

A second cell phone ticket within a year, will land residents with a one-week vehicle seizure, including towing and storage costs.

Distracted driving not only impacts people's wallets but can result in serious collisions and injuries.

According to SGI statistics, in 2016 in Saskatchewan, 42 people were killed in collisions where distracted driving was a factor, and more than 1,200 people were injured.

Some SGI tips to keep road safe this month include:

• Don’t use your cell phone, even at a red light – the law applies whenever you’re in control of a vehicle on a public road.
• Engage the “do not disturb while driving” feature – so those trying to reach you know you’re behind the wheel and can’t get back to them.
• Put the phone away – out of sight, out of mind. Silence your phone and put it out of reach.
• Delegate the distraction – let your passenger reply to messages and operate the radio and GPS.
• Call out friends and family – if you see them using a cell phone behind the wheel, speak up! It may save their life.
• #JustDrive – limit other distractions like eating and grooming.