Distracted driving penalties to become law next week, MLA says

Albertans can soon expect to earndemerits and pay higher fines if they're caught texting while driving, saysMLA Moe Amery.

Amery'sprivatemembers bill to change the Traffic Safety Act is set to be debated at the legislature Monday.

If it passes second reading, the billwill likely move on tothe third and final reading next week.

Amery says the bill has earned the support of the ministers of transportation and justice and the majority of his colleagues.

"Idon'tthinkitll have any problem passing," he told Edmonton AM's Mark Connolly Monday.

Amery said theemails he receives from Albertansindicate they also support the bill, which would see fines rise from $172 to $250 in addition to three demerit points for any driver who is caught.

He said RCMPhave told him that they've seen an increase in distracted drivers in the past two years.

I see it everyday because I drive a lot between Calgary and Edmonton," he said. "People are texting on the highway and causing accidents."

• On mobile? Listen to interview with Moe Amery here