Following the recent trend of provincial governments imposing tougher fines for distracted driving infractions, Prince Edward Island Transportation Minister Paula Biggar has tabled new legislation that aims to double the fines for those caught using a mobile device while driving.
The use of a handheld device while driving was banned by the province in 2010. According to a new report, drivers who are caught even simply holding a phone while driving may face a fine of upwards to $1,200 and three demerit points.
“It only takes a split second to go over the line when you’re looking at that text on your phone,” Biggar said. “We’ve been working very closely with the police forces on this… more and more it is proved to be the cause of an accident… we’ve seen the commercials with the last text to somebody. It can be a very tragic circumstance.”
To bring additional awareness to the issue, PEI has started an advertising campaign called “Leave the Phone Alone!” and says it will continue to work towards driving the message home.
[source]The Guardian[/source]
