5 drivers who took photos of crash fined for distracted driving

Five drivers have been fined for distracted driving after using their cellphones to take pictures of an accident on the Trans-Canada Highway in southern Alberta.

RCMPin Redcliff, a few kilometres northwest of Medicine Hat, say they responded after a tractor-trailer rolled in the eastbound lanes of Highway 1west of Suffieldat about 12:20 p.m. on Tuesday.

A tire burst on the vehicle just before it rolled, RCMP said in a release on Wednesday.

The driverwas seriously injuredandflown via air ambulance to Foothills hospital.

First responders noticed several drivers taking photographs with their cellphones, which led tofive tickets being issued for distracted driving.

The penalty is a $300 fine.

One driverwas operating a commercial vehicle.

Redcliff RCMPreminded driversthatit is unlawful to drive a vehicle on a highway while holding, viewing or manipulating a cellphone, radio communication device or other communication device.