Those caught driving distracted are going to be facing tougher penalties come February next year.

The Provincial Government announced Tuesday that starting February 1, anyone caught distracted driving will face a $580 ticket and four demerits, compared to the current fine of $280 and four demerits.

"There are obviously a lot of people who haven't gotten the message that they shouldn't check their messages while driving," said Tyler McMurchy, with SGI, "but police are paying very close attention to it."

Under the new laws, fines will also increase for every additional infraction within a 12-month span, with a second distracted driving stoppage costing $1,400 ticket, an additional four demerits and an immediate seven-day vehicle seizure. And a third will cost you $2,100, four more demerits and another seven-day vehicle seizure.

Joe Hargrave, Minister of Crown Investments Corporations, said the new penalties are meant to be harsh.

"They're going to be hefty. Many people continue to risk their lives and the lives of others on Saskatchewan roads by being complacent and choosing to ignore the laws associated with distracted driving."

According to statistics from SGI, driver distraction has become the single leading human factor in injuries and collisions in Saskatchewan. In 2018 alone, there were 774 injuries and 22 deaths due to distracted driving or inattention to driving.

"Enough is enough," said Hargrave. "People need to get the message."