ESTEVAN — When it comes to distracted driving, Estevan seems to be pretty consistent with the rest of the province, says Estevan Police Chief Rich Lowen.
"We look at allocated Combined Traffic Services stats for January, February, when the focus was on distracted driving. January of 2024 was 171 charges, February – 165 charges. So that's our combined traffic, which is all of the province," Lowen explained. "And I look at previous years, and it's pretty consistent, the numbers can go up a little bit, some go down a little bit, but it is still an issue.
"People need to be aware that distracted driving is a dangerous thing to do, and can lead to fatalities."
On average, 31 people lose their lives and 892 people are hurt in distracted driving collisions each year in Saskatchewan, based on the five-year average from 2014-2018, according to SGI data.
"It's not just heavy fines if you get caught for distracted driving," reminded Lowen.
While the use of a mobile device remains the most common example of what people think of when it comes to distracted driving, there are other distractions. Motorists could be ticketed for eating, reading, interacting with pets or passengers, adjusting the radio or even grooming themselves while driving.
When it comes to using an electronic device while driving, the fines are steep. For a first offence, it carries a $580 fine and four demerit points. A second offence within one year amounts to a $1,400 fine, four demerit points and a seven-day vehicle seizure. A third offence in a year is a $2,100 fine, four more demerit points and a seven-day vehicle seizure.
As for driving without due care and attention due to eating, reading and other forms of distraction, if it results in a collision, motorists can be charged. The fines and the demerit points are largely the same as driving while using a cell phone.
April is Distracted Driving Month, and while the EPS and other police agencies put more effort into raising awareness about distracted driving consequences during this time, Lowen noted they pay attention to the issue throughout the year.
"It's in line with all our enforcement … We include it as part of our traffic community safety. It's part of the strategies that we use here and in traffic enforcement. But everything from officers witnessing people using their phones, to watching their GPS, reading, watching videos, eating or having pets on their lap, if it's causing you to be distracted and affects your driving behaviour, then it's an offence and you can be charged," Lowen noted.
He underlined that the situation on the road can change in no time, so drivers should put all distractions aside to ensure their own and everyone's safety.
"It only takes a second for a collision to occur," Lowen said.
"We always want people to keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, put the focus where it should be.
"Multitasking while driving can prove to be fatal, and distracted driving impairs your driving ability. That's the bottom line," he added.
"Please drive safe and put your focus on the road."
