Police mull impounding cars to curb texting behind the wheel

Police in Saskatoon say they are looking at tougher measures, including impounding vehicles, to put a stop to people who use hand-held cell phones while driving.

Distracted drivers who text on mobile devices or use mobile phones risk fines of $280. However, according to police, many drivers continue to ignore the law.

"The bottom line is right now with cell phones, it's not very hard to find an offense," Staff Sgt. Grant Obst, from Saskatoon's traffic unit, told CBC News.

Obst said police have to consider impounding cars of repeat offenders.

According to police, so far in 2012 more than 1,300 distracted driver tickets have been issued in Saskatoon.

A recent two-day blitz saw officers hand out 37 distracted driver tickets, and 16 tickets for failing to wear a seat-belt.