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

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is against the law in Alberta. 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

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.

Permitted Activities

Drivers can still engage in the following activities as long as 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
• 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.

Remember, police have the discretion to lay charges if you are engaging in any activity that distracts you from your ability to drive safely. Keep your focus on the road and pull over to park if you will be doing anything that might take your attention away from driving safely.

What About Pets?

Since police have the discretion to lay charges if you are engaged in activities that impair your ability to drive safely, you could be charged with distracted driving if you are distracted by your pet.

In addition, say your pet was in your lap. You could also be charged for allowing something to occupy the front seat of your vehicle, interfering with your access to the vehicle's controls and the safe operation of the vehicle or for allowing something to obstruct your clear vision.

For everyone's safety, it is recommended that pets are always secure in an appropriate pet carrier.

Penalties for Distracted Driving

$300 fine and three demerit points.

Distracted Cycling

Cyclists must follow the same laws as drivers of motor vehicles, including rules about distracting driving.

Restricted Activities

Restrictions that apply to cyclists include:

• Using hand-held cellphones
• Texting or e-mailing
• Using electronic devices like cameras and portable audio players
• Entering information on GPS units
• Reading printed materials
• Writing, printing or sketching
• Personal grooming

Is it illegal to wear headphones while cycling?

While it's not illegal, wearing headphones while cycling isn't recommended. You're less likely to hear emergency responders, railway crossing signals, and sounds that could warn you of danger. Wearing your headphones also makes you more likely to get into a collision with vehicles or pedestrians since you're less aware of your surroundings.

Penalties for Distracted Cycling

$300 fine and three demerit points.

Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrians also have a role in minimizing road distractions and staying safe, especially during rush hour times (3 to 7 pm) when drivers have several competing priorities to track. To help, pedestrians need to be attentive and ensure that motorists can see them!

Some tips to consider: 

• Remove your headphones
  • When walking near busy roadways, pedestrians need to be able to use all their senses to stay safe. We recommend that you take out your earbuds so you can listen for changes in traffic, such as emergency response vehicles
• Put your phone away
  • When crossing the street, look at the surrounding cars, not a phone. Be prepared in case a driver makes a mistake or wrong turn
• Use the sidewalk
  • When there's one available, always walk on the sidewalk. If there isn't one, walk off the road, facing traffic, staying as far away from vehicles as possible

Stay focused - stay safe!