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Distracted Driving Blitz
Posted by Terry Van Veen | POST A COMMENT
Grande Prairie Integrated Traffic Unit (ITU) and the City of Grande Prairie Enforcement Services had the community's best interests at heart yesterday (Valentine's Day), when they conducted their second project to address Distracted Driving.
In a 4 hour time span yesterday afternoon (Feb 14/12 noon to 4:00 p.m.), the Grande Prairie ITU along with City of Grande Prairie Enforcement Services wrote 152 tickets of which non seat belt compliance and use of cell phones were the predominant offences.
At Resources Road and 100th Avenue, a plainclothes RCMP officer identified the offences and then contacted awaiting police vehicles to address the offender. In two instances, women drivers were located "grooming" while operating their vehicle - one applying lipstick while another plucked her eyebrows. In a third instant, the plainclothes officer watched a woman texting at a red light. She was so involved with her phone, the light turned green but she continued to hold up a line of traffic while she continued to text.
RCMP Provincial Traffic Sgt. Dave Doerksen: "One of the misconceptions that we determined while speaking with drivers during this project, was they believe that the they can text or phone while stopped at a red light. We want to remind the public that you cannot engage in distracting activities when stopped at a red light, delayed in traffic or waiting for a train. You are still driving and engaged in a traffic situation. To be compliant with the law, drivers need to be legally parked."
The Grande Prairie ITU and Enforcement Services team didn't let sleeping dogs lie. One individual was charged under the Traffic Safety Act Section 115(2)(i) for permitting his dog to occupy the front seat interfering with the drier's access to the vehicle controls and safe operation of a motor vehicle. Police remind the public that for both safety of your pet and road users, secure your pet in an appropriate carrier.
The Grande Prairie ITU and City Enforcement Services anticipate other projects in the future to help promote responsible driving habits in the City of Grande Prairie.
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