Calgary, AB – Saturday, 22 young drivers recently ticketed for distracted driving in RCMP jurisdictions in the Calgary area chose “Option 4” – a unique pilot-project aimed at raising awareness of the potentially devastating consequences of distracted driving. Introduced earlier this year, “Option 4” gave drivers under the age of 25 the option of dealing with the ticket in the normal way or by attending an “Option Four” session to learn more about the dangers of cellphone use while driving. At the end of the 3 hour session at Speeders Indoor ProKarts in northeast Calgary, the RCMP officers and Alberta Sheriffs who issued the participants’ distracted driving tickets recommended they be withdrawn.
“When we issue a ticket, a driver has three options. They can pay up, plea not-guilty, or meet with a prosecutor before court in an effort to resolve the matter – but all these options focus only on the ticket,” said RCMP Sergeant Darrin Turnbull. “ We came up with “Option 4” because it isn’t just about the ticket – it’s about making young people understand that taking their eyes off the road – for even a few seconds – is an extremely dangerous behaviour.”
Saturday’s session began with firsthand stories about the toll distracted driving takes on individuals and the community. Participants heard from a 22-year old woman who now lives with life-changing injuries after crashing her car while texting. Family members, first responder and medical personnel who assisted her after the crash also shared their experiences.
“Option 4” ended with the young drivers negotiating a go-cart track without and then with the distraction of a cell phone. The driving exercise was designed to give participants concrete proof that taking one’s eyes off the wheel has a negative impact on steering ability and reaction times.
“Just because someone has used a cellphone behind the wheel and never had a problem, doesn’t mean the risks weren’t there,” said Superintendent Ian Lawson, Officer in Charge of Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. “The risks are always there and the stakes are very high. The goal of “Option 4” is to make sure that young people get that – and put down the phone while driving.”
- Traffic safety research indicates that drivers engaged in text messaging are 23 time more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash event compared to attentive drivers. (Virginia Tech Transportation Inst. 2010).
- Research by Alberta Transportation indicates that approximately one-in-four collisions involve driver distraction. (Distracted Driving & Cell Phone use while Driving 2007).
- The fine for distracted driving in Alberta is $287 and the loss of three demerit points.
Integrated Traffic Units consist of RCMP Traffic Services members and Sheriff Highway Patrol officers working together in a collaborative effort to deliver effective and efficient traffic safety services to Albertans, with a focus on identified enforcement priorities.