Still texting and driving?

Randy Youngman

Randy Youngman, Regional Traffic Safety Consultant

Are you still texting and driving? Or maybe programming your GPS on the fly? It has now been over three years since Alberta enacted its “Distracted Driving” legislation. However, it seems that many have either not received the message or just choose to ignore it. The penalty for operating a hand-held electronic device, reading, writing or grooming while you are driving is a $172 fine.


Driving is a task that needs your full attention. Multi-tasking is a term best reserved for computers...not drivers. Too much multi-tasking can lead to driver distraction, which in turn can lead to more mistakes made on our roadways. We cannot afford to make mistakes when we’re travelling down the roadway at 50-plus km/h in a vehicle weighing more than 1,500 kg - especially when that mistake could take a life.

One question asked a lot lately is, “exactly what is meant by driving?” You are driving while you have the vehicle on a roadway and are in care and control of that vehicle. So, is it OK to check your texts, etc. while stopped at a light or stop sign? The answer is simply "NO." If you are legally parked, with the ignition turned off or the transmission set to “park,” you can then check your phone or program your GPS. These activities are not to be done on the roadway.

Yes, you are still allowed to have a snack or a coffee but you are still covered under all the other driving rules in the Traffic Safety Act. If having that drink or snack causes you to have a collision or has you weaving in and out of your lane, you are still responsible and liable for your actions.

Hands-free operation of your electronic devices is still allowed under the new legislation, so if you must talk while driving, invest in a hands-free phone system for your car. Being distracted leads to drivers going through red lights, speeding, following too closely, weaving, and many more dangerous and unhealthy behaviours. Please, for everyone's safety, give your driving the priority and attention it deserves.

Randy Youngman is the Regional Traffic Safety Consultant, for southeast Alberta. He can be reached at 403-458-1890 or by e-mail: randy.youngman@gov.ab.ca

For more information, visit www.saferoads.com