Demerits coming for Alberta distracted drivers

The Alberta government is planning to start hitting distracted drivers with demerit points starting Jan. 1.

Transportation Minister Brian Mason confirmed this is part of a plan thathe will be announcing Thursday but he declined to give more details.

• Distracted driving demerits applauded by police and accident victim

The applicable section of the traffic act was amended by cabinet this week and announced Wednesday as anorderin council.

The government is holding a news conference at 12:30 p.m Thursday.

Edmonton police Chief Rod Knecht, AlbertaRCMP commanding officer Marianne Ryan andJeff Kasbrick from the Alberta Motor Association will join Mason along withRenaye Wade, a woman who was badly injured after she was struck by a distracted driver.

Under a private members bill passed last spring, Albertans caught texting or engaging in any other kind of distracteddriving would receive three demerit points in addition to a $287 fine.

Police say penalizing drivers using demerits is a more effective way to enforce distracted driving laws because repeat offenders risk losing their licences.