RCMP looking for distracted drivers in February

by MorinvilleNews.com Staff

Local RCMP will have their eyes open for those drivers whose eyes are anywhere but on the road. Each month law enforcement throughout the province focus on a different aspect of traffic safety, and February’s focus is on distracted drivers.

Police will be stepping up their efforts to reduce the harm caused by distracted driving and to remind motorists the province’s new distracted driving law came into effect last September.

Penalties increased Jan. 1 from $172 and no demerit points to $287 fine and three demerit points.

Drivers are not to use a hand-held cell phone, texting or e-mailing, or use any electronic device. That restriction extends to entering information into a GPS and reading printed materials while driving. Personal grooming is also frowned on and police will be on the lookout for such driving behaviours.