Distracted driving accounts for more than 25% of traffic deaths in Alberta: report
Alberta is leading the country when it comes to deaths from distracted driving, accounting for more than 25 per cent of fatal collisions in the province.
The report, published by HelloSafe after compiling the most recent statistics from Transport Canada, Alberta government, Statistics Canada and the Canadian Automobile Association, says 76 Albertans died from distracted driving in 2021, 30 more than in 2020.
The company, which compares financial products such as insurance and credit investments, says that distracted driving is also a deadly problem in Canada, accounting for 19.7 per cent of traffic-related deaths.
- Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
"In Canada, distracted driving is the second biggest cause of traffic deaths after speeding," HelloSafe said in its report.
Despite Alberta leading the statistics, HelloSafe said the punishment for distracted driving is the lowest among all Canadian provinces.
In Alberta, if you are caught driving distracted, you would be fined $287 and given three demerits.
The stiffest penalties are in Ontario, where a first conviction carries a fine of between $615 and $1,000, three demerits and a three-day licence suspension.
A second conviction results in a $615 to $2,000 fine, six demerits and a seven-day suspension while a third and each subsequent conviction would be a fine of $615 to $3,000, six demerits and a 30-day licence suspension.
Distracted driving is a lot more than just texting, emailing or using your phone, the company says.
If you're programming a GPS, eating or drinking, reading, grooming or watching videos while behind the wheel, you could also be pulled over.
HelloSafe says 13,898 fines were issued in Alberta in 2022, representing $3,988,726.
CTV News has reached out to the Alberta government for comment on the report.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.