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EDMONTON
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 www.metronews.ca News worth sharing.
Drop in collisions raises doubts over driving legislation Province reports roughly 25 per cent decline in traffic injuries and fatalities over 2007 Planned restrictions for activity behind the wheel yet to come into effect
Edmonton swore in a new police chief yesterday at city hall. Rod Knecht, left, takes the oath of office with Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench Associate Chief Justice John D. Rooke administering. Knecht spoke to media about murder and his busy post. Story, page 3. SHELLEY WILLIAMSON/METRO
City hails new police chief
Alberta traffic collisions are becoming more infrequent, leading some to question the necessity of new distracted-driving legislation. Data released yesterday show a third consecutive reduction yearover-year in serious incidents on provincial roads. “There are many factors that can influence collisions, but Alberta’s Traffic Safety Plan (passed in 2008) is having an impact,” said Donnae Schuhltz, spokesperson for Alberta Transportation. While the statistics are encouraging to individuals relying on vehicles to conduct business, some feel they offer proof that planned legislation to curb inattentive actions behind the wheel is unnecessary. “It feels like a cash grab,” said Sarris Descheneaux, owner of Edmonton-based Ultimate Moves,
which operates throughout the province. “Texting is bad, I recognize that, but if you’re talking on the phone you still have your eyes on the road.” British Columbia has already passed its own distracted-driving legislation. In its first year of implementation, 32,665 tickets were handed out totalling $5 million. The new restrictions out west have already forced Spud.ca, which offers organic grocery delivery in Calgary and Vancouver, to change its policies for all drivers. General manager Kevin Burbank admits the law has created a bit of a logistical headache. “I have mixed feelings on it,” he said. “I want people to be safe, but people live on their phones these days.” Schuhltz said a formal date for the launch of Alberta’s legislation
Distracted driving Alberta’s distracted-driving legislation, known as Bill 16, restricts drivers from using cellphones, texting, personal grooming, reading and other activities. The proposed fine for the new offence is $172. Alberta’s Traffic Safety Plan aims to reduce traffic collisions through education and awareness campaigns, community engagement, enforcement, and new legislation.
has not been set, but the plan is to proceed ahead full steam. “Even one collision is too many,” she said. JEREMY NOLAIS