Alberta introduces bill to tighten restrictions on distracted drivers

New legislation proposed by the Alberta government would restrict a vast number of activities behind the wheel, including personal grooming, manually inputting information into GPS or audio devices, CB radios (excluding commercial or search-and-rescue use) and texting.
Bill 16, the Traffic Safety (Distracted Driving) Amendment Act, 2010 would introduce some of the most comprehensive distracted driving legislation in Canada. The bill proposes a fine of $172, but no demerit points, for engaging in a variety of distracting activities.
“A distracted driver could face additional charges if they commit other violations such as running a red light or making an improper lane change,” according to the Government of Alberta Ministry of Transportation.
“Bill 16 will also complement the current driving without due care and attention law — a serious offence with a fine of $402 and six demerit points — by giving law enforcement agencies more flexibility in dealing with a wider range of behaviours.”
Hands-free phones would be allowed, as would radio communications for commercial purposes and search-and-rescue services.
Additionally, the duties of emergency personnel, such as enforcement, fire and medical services, would not be affected.
The legislation would ban, while driving:
• holding, viewing or manipulating an electronic communication device that can send or receive phone calls, electronic data, electronic mail or text messages, such as cell phones, PDAs or hand-held wireless or electronic devices;
• the use of two-way (CB) radios unless for commercial purposes or search and rescue services;
• manually typing or inputting information into a portable audio player;
• manually inputting information into a GPS system while driving;
• activation of a video display screen within view of the driver (with certain exceptions); and
• reading, writing and grooming.
The proposed legislation is expected to be debated in the legislature this fall.