“The numbers of distracted drivers have gotten out of hand.” That’s the assessment of Saskatchewan Government Insurance in a news release, saying they expect around a thousand distracted driving tickets to be issued this month. SGI says, “Despite the $280 fine, four demerit points and vehicle impoundments for repeat offenders, too many drivers are still making it too easy for police to keep setting monthly records for distracted driving tickets.” Joe Hargrave, Minister responsible for SGI says the government is looking at tougher penalties to deter this kind of behaviour. For some tips on cell phones in the vehicle check out this story at cjwwradio.com.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:
– Do mount your phone on your dash or — better yet — stash it in the glovebox or backseat, so you keep your hands off it. Experienced drivers can use voice-activated functions. Learner and Novice drivers can’t use a phone at all.
– Don’t use your phone if you’re behind the wheel. Don’t hold it, look at it, or manipulate it. Not even at red lights.
– Do pull over to the side of the road and park your vehicle if there is a text you absolutely need to send or a call you need to make.
– Don’t text or talk while you are driving. If it’s on speakerphone and you’re holding it in front of your face while driving, that’s still going to get you a ticket.
– Do set the playlist, start the podcast, or program the GPS before the trip.
– Don’t watch Netflix, YouTube or videos, even if your phone is mounted.
– Do let your co-pilot have the phone and let them reply to messages and snap the
– Selfies so you can keep your eyes on the road
– Don’t scroll or engage with social media — that Snap, Like or Share can wait.
– Don’t pay more attention to your coffee, passengers, make-up, or lost item in your bag than the safe operation of your vehicle
– Do #JustDrive.