Albertans support crackdown on distracted driving
Posted Jun 17, 2010 12:17 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A recent telephone survey has found support for a law cracking down on distracted drivers in the province is growing.
The Alberta Motor Association says 75 per cent of people are anxiously awaiting the debate and passage of Bill 16.
Only three provinces don’t have a distracted driver law on the books – New Brunswick, Manitoba and Alberta.
Scott Wilson with the AMA tells 660News because of problems on the road, public opinion has changed recently.
“Research around texting recently finds that it’s 20 times as risky as using a phone while driving. So I think people are starting to look at that and say it’s a good idea, let’s get the legislation in place,” says Wilson.
The Stelmach government is scheduled to debate Bill 16 in the fall, which includes fines of more than $150 for drivers who are caught not paying attention behind the wheel.
The AMA hopes it will become law next spring.
