EDMONTON — The Alberta government is considering toughening its distracted driving law by issuing demerit points to motorists who text or make hand-held cellphone calls behind the wheel.
Transportation Minister Ric McIver says about two years after the law was passed, drivers are still refusing to hang up when they’re on the road.
Demerit points are one option but McIver says the province is reviewing other options, although seizing vehicles is not one of them.
Currently, drivers face a $172 fine if they’re caught calling or texting.
Calgary police say that during the first eight months of this year, there were more than 470 crashes in which distractive driving was a factor.
The province has not released a timeline for completion of a distracted driving review.