Keep your eyes on the road - one text can wait

Lethbridge Police, and other law enforcement agencies throughout the province, will be focusing on distracted driving throughout the month of February.

WHAT'S RESTRICTED?

Drivers are not allowed to engage in any activity that distracts them from the operation of the vehicle, even while stopped at a red light. Restricted activities include, but are not limited to:

• Holding, viewing, or manipulating a cell phone or other communication device - this includes texting, emailing, or holding the phone while speaking (holding a phone that is on speaker is not the same as hands-free mode!)
• Holding, viewing, or manipulating hand-held electronic devices like tablet computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays, and portable audio players (e.g., MP3 players)
• Entering information into GPS units
• Reading printed materials
• Writing, printing, or sketching
• Personal grooming (brushing and flossing teeth, putting on makeup, curling hair, clipping nails, shaving, etc.)

You can be charged with distracted driving if you are doing any of the above activities, even if your driving performance does not appear to be affected.

You can also be charged with distracted driving if you are distracted by your pet. In addition, if your pet is in your lap you could be charged for allowing something to occupy the front seat of your vehicle, interfering with access to vehicle controls and the safe operation of the vehicle or for allowing something to obstruct your clear vision.

WHAT'S ALLOWED?

Drivers can still engage in the following activities, provided they are not distracting the driver from operating the vehicle:

• Using a hand-held cell phone ONLY if calling emergency response (911)
• Using a cell phone in hands-free mode
• Drinking a beverage or eating a snack
• Smoking
• Talking to passengers
• Using a 2-way or CB radio when required to do so for employment purposes
• Using a GPS that is either voice-activated or programmed BEFORE you begin driving. The GPS device must be secured to the vehicle and not held in the driver's hand.

WHAT'S THE PENALTY?

$300 fine and three demerit points.