30 motorists within the Steinbach RCMP’s jurisdiction have been given distracted driving charges in the first two weeks of this year’s distracted driving month.

RCMP Sergeant Paul Manaigre says RCMP Highway Traffic Services has been partnering with local detachments to focus on drivers using handheld electronic devices. 

"This is a province-wide campaign for the month of April, basically focusing on the high-risk driving behaviour of using a handheld electronic device while driving. We have the stats to show that texting and driving is becoming the number one cause of serious if not fatal collisions in this province and it is time that we start addressing this."

Manaigre says the RCMP will continue with this increased presence for the remainder of the month. He adds it does not seem that drivers are catching on with many people continuing to drive distracted so this is an important campaign for the RCMP.

Current distracted driving fines include a $200 ticket and 5 demerits but provincial legislation was introduced in March which would add a three-day automatic license suspension to all distracted driving charges.

Read more: RCMP Pleased With Proposed 3-day License Suspension For Distracted Driving