Province mulling tougher distracted driving penalties
Posted Mar 16, 2015 7:38 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Tougher distracted driving laws will be a focus of discussion when legislators meet in Edmonton Monday.
Bill 204 was proposed by Calgary-East MLA Moe Amery, and has widespread support from the PC caucus.
The legislation would add three demerit points for distracted driving, and increase the fine to $250 from $172.
Alberta is the sole province without demerits for distracted driving.
It is an issue which is very close to the Wade family.
Renaye Wade was 18 when her stalled car was struck by a distracted driver and pushed into the path of a semi.
She had planned on going to university to study law, but has been unable to after she emerged from a 34-day coma with significant memory loss, blurred vision and impaired balance and speech.
Her mother Tammy told City News she supports the new legislation, but wants more.
“Really and truly how is it any different than an impaired driver?” she asked. “You know what you’re allowed to do when you’re driving a vehicle so when you’re making a choice to not follow those rules, how is it any different?”
As for Renaye, she said there’s nothing more important than paying attention to where you’re going.
“You’re not going to be home any faster than they are if you hit someone, and they’ll be home way later than you if you do hit them, if they even get to go home,” Renaye said.
