Calgary police hand out fewer distracted driving tickets

Stiffer penalties, tougher enforcement likely behind decline not seen in 5 years

Image | Texting while driving

Caption: For the first time in five years Calgary police have been handing out fewer distracted driving tickets. (CBC)

For the first time in five years, there's been a decline in the volume of tickets handed out in Calgary for distract driving.
Police say the number of people pulled over has dropped by more than 13 per cent compared with last year.
They suggest the slip may be the result of upgraded distracted driving legislation, which was toughened at the beginning of this year through the addition of three demerit points along with a fine.
Traffic Staff Sgt. Paul Stacey says demerits have an impact on insurance rates and may cause motorists to think twice about picking up the phone while they're driving.
Do you see drivers texting and talking on the phone while driving? Add your comments below.