As people have driven around Swift Current and the Southwest they have all witnessed drivers behind the wheel that have been focused on other things besides driving. Talking on phones, using GPS maps, eating, fishing for songs on an MP3 player, or watching a lady put her makeup on while driving 50 km/hr. With the changes coming to distracted driving and to increasing the age limit on driving impaired, Swift Current Online contacted the Local RCMP detachment, Sgt. Kelly Guider.

The RCMP has been enforcing the 2010 distracted driving law since it came into effect. When asked if drivers are getting the message Sgt. Guider said, “We see regular collisions, unfortunately we have seen some serious injuries from persons involved with these collisions. If you can imagine it’s just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than impaired driving in that if your eyes are not on the road, even an impaired driver is looking forward, the impairment part is dangerous cause it slows your reactions, you’re not able to react the same, well imagine closing your eyes and driving down the road. If your eyes are not straight forward then you might as well be driving with your eyes closed. You are not able to see other users of the road or pedestrians and, it creates an extreme hazard. So it’s really important that these new laws are being implemented soon because the message has to get out there that we can’t use these devises.”

The proposed new law will see that no one is allowed to hold, view, use or manipulate a cell phone while driving.