Posted:
(2:10 p.m.)
In their continued effort to enhance road safety and educate citizens on the rules of the road, members of the Halifax Regional Police/RCMP Integrated Traffic Unit are focusing on driver distraction and the illegal use of cell phones during the month of April.
Driver distraction, such as talking or texting on a cell phone, is a leading cause of collisions in Canada. On April 1, 2008 hand-held cell phone use and text messaging while driving became prohibited in Nova Scotia. Despite education and enforcement surrounding this issue people continue to use cell phones while driving. Every year, HRM Partners in Policing issue in excess of 2,000 tickets for this infraction which carries a fine starting at $169.91. It’s safest to avoid talking on a cell phone while driving but if you must answer/make calls, use a hands-free device and keep your hands on the wheel.
During March, the Unit’s focus was on impaired driving. Members of the unit wrote 640 Summary Offence Tickets for a range of violations during the month.