Albertans won’t oppose harsher distracted driving penalties: poll
Posted Feb 5, 2014 10:42 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A new poll suggests Albertans won’t stand in the way of the province boosting the penalty for distracted driving.
Currently offenders are fined $172.
In an effort to increase the deterrent, many have also called for the penalty to include a couple of demerit points, which could impact a person’s insurance.
The survey, compiled by the Alberta Motor Association, suggests a majority of drivers are on-side with such a move.
Don Szarko, director of advocacy and community services with the AMA, said it appears drivers are fed up with people not paying attention to the job at hand while behind the wheel.
He said an overwhelming majority of people who participated in their January survey would support the inclusion of demerit points as part of a distracted driving ticket.
“78 per cent of members and Albertans think it’s appropriate for distracted driving offences to carry two demerit points in addition to the monetary penalty,” said Szarko.
The survey also showed, when it comes to the distracted driving law, 62 per cent believe there is not enough enforcement.
Szarko said the survey is being fired off to the transportation minister ahead of a possible review of the law involving police chiefs and the solicitor general.
