Canadian Underwriter
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Alberta ushers in tough distracted driving legislation


August 31, 2011   by Canadian Underwriter


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Alberta’s distracted driving law comes into effect on Sept. 1, making it the next province to ban the use of hand-held devices.
But the province took it one step further, applying the law to low-tech distractions such as reading printed materials and settling down pets in the front seat.
The legislation bans the use of hand held devices for activities like talking, texting, emailing, taking photos or playing games. The provincial government also extended the ban to restrict the following activities:
•entering information on a GPS device;
•reading printed materials in the vehicle;
•writing, printing or sketching; and
•personal grooming.
The new law applies to all vehicles defined by the Traffic Safety Act, including bicycles.
In situations in which a driver becomes too involved with their pet, police could reasonably argue the distraction is comparable to the specifically banned activities of reading, writing and grooming and lay a charge, the province says. The fine for this new offence is $172, an Alberta Ministry of Transportation release says.


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