Punishments for distracted driving offenses are increasing in February. More than doubling in price, authorities are cracking down on the leading cause of accidents in Saskatchewan. The tickets are jumping up to $580 from $280. 

In 2018 distracted driving was a large factor in over 6,000 collisions, 774 injuries, and 22 deaths. 

Not only will the price of a ticket increase, but the second offense within a year of being convicted of distracted driving will land you a $1,400 tickets plus an additional four demerits and a seven-day vehicle seizure, which will cost you approximately $400. And the third offense within a year of the first conviction will result in a $2,100 ticket, four more demerits, and another vehicle seizure.

It is not difficult to avoid driving distracted. Place your handheld device in your pocket or out of your reach to help keep yourself from being distracted. Keep your eyes on the road and pay attention to driving with care.

Distracted driving does not mean the use of a cell phone alone, it is driving without due care and attention to the road or driving without consideration for others.

While the increase may seem hefty, it is necessary to help reduce the number of distracted drivers on Saskatchewan roads. The ideal goal of the increased punishments for distracted driving is to reduce the numbers and discourage drivers from acting recklessly and putting not only their lives but others in danger as well.