Saskatchewan drivers are being reminded to put their cellphones away after a record number of distracted driving tickets were issued in March.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance says 523 tickets were issued – 82 for driving without due care and attention, and 441 for driving while using, holding, viewing or manipulating a handheld phone. This is the highest number since monthly “traffic safety spotlights” began in 2014, SGI said in a news release.
According to SGI, tickets for speeding, driving under the influence and not being appropriately restrained with seatbelts or having children in appropriate safety seats have increased each month since the beginning of the year.
Police in the province issued 4,532 tickets for speeding, 318 impaired driving and 453 seatbelt or child safety seat infractions.
SGI says distracted driving was the leading factor in collisions in 2015. It also contributed to the second-highest number of fatal collisions after impaired driving. In March, more people were charged with distracted driving than impaired driving in Saskatchewan.
Distracted driving laws changed in January, meaning learner and novice drivers cannot use a cellphone of any kind, and experienced drivers can only use hands-free phones if they are activated using voice commands or one-touch and devices are mounted.
The fine for breaking the cellphone law is $280, and cars are impounded on the second offence in a year.
