Distracted Driving Law Applies To More Than Cell Phones

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Alberta’s new Distracted Driving Law comes into force on September 1st and the following are the highlights of that new law.
    Restricts drivers from:

•     using hand-held cell phones
•     texting or e-mailing
•     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
•     Complements the current driving without due care and attention legislation
•     Applies to all vehicles as defined by the Traffic Safety Act, including bicycles
•     Applies to all roads in both urban and rural areas of the province
•     The fine for this new offence is $172

The most frequently asked question regarding the new law is whether pets are specifically addressed by the law. Here's the answer! In situations where the driver becomes too involved with their pet, police could reasonably argue that the distraction is comparable to the specifically banned activities of reading, writing and grooming and lay a charge.   
“This legislation gives law enforcement agencies in Alberta an additional tool to help make our roads safer,” said Frank Oberle, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. “We are sending an extremely strong traffic safety message to motorists across the province: When you're in your vehicle, your focus must be on driving.”
Several international studies show that 20 to 30 per cent of all collisions involve driver distraction and distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a collision than attentive drivers.
“This legislation is an example of Alberta's firm commitment to driver safety,” says Verlyn Olson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. “This legislation will raise awareness about the importance of distraction free driving, making roadways safer for all Albertans.”
So, just like the Seat Belt Law when it first came into effect, we will just have to make adjustments.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this law:
Q:    Does this law apply on all roadways in the province?
Yes, it applies to all roads in both urban and rural areas. The Traffic Safety Act uses the term highway to refer to any urban or rural street, road, parking lot or alley, etc, where the public is normally permitted to drive, including adjacent sidewalks and ditches.
Q:    Under what conditions can I make a phone call?
To be compliant, drivers may only engage in the restricted activities when they are not driving on a highway or when the vehicle is legally parked.
A highway refers to any street, road, parking lot or alley, etc, where the public is normally permitted to drive, including adjacent sidewalks and ditches.
Q:    Can I park on the shoulder of a highway to make a call?
On provincial highways, outside of an urban area, section 43 of the Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation applies and vehicles are not permitted to park on the shoulder of a provincial highway except in an emergency. This is also for safety. If you have to make a phone call, do so at a rest area or when you stop for gas or for a bathroom break. Alternately, have your passenger make the call.
Provincial highways are typically numbered roadways (e.g., Highway 2), but they may also be known by other names (e.g., Queen Elizabeth II or the Trans-Canada Highway).
Municipal parking bylaws vary from place to place. You will need to consider the parking bylaws for that area before pulling over.
Q:    Can I send a text message or comb my hair when I am stopped at a red light?
No. You cannot engage in distracting activities when stopped at a red light, delayed in traffic or waiting for a train. You are still driving and engaged in a traffic situation. To be compliant with the law drivers need to be legally parked before engaging in the restricted activities.
And finally, here’s a great video to watch to check out the options that are available for your cell phones:
http://video.about.com/cellphones/Hands-Free-Cell-Phone-Options.htm