15 years since legislation banning the use of cell phones came into effect in Sask.

(File photo)

Jan.1 marked the 15th anniversary since legislation was brought in banning the use of cell phones behind the wheel in Saskatchewan.

“Driving is a skill. It requires your full attention. It requires your attention to driving to look at what’s all around you. Distractions are always around. Flashing stuff on your eyes,” said Sgt. Tyler Sebulsky with the Regina Police Service (RPS).

Before it became its own law, the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle fell under the distracted driving law. Legislation for that came into effect well before 2010.

“It was a bit of a challenge for law enforcement to actually enforce that law. It was recently changed to include using, manipulating, holding or viewing the phone,” said Kwei Quaye, the Vice President of Traffic Safety for SGI.

Using a cell phone while driving is considered distracted driving.

“The first offence starts at $580. Then your second offence within a 12-month conviction of the first offence goes up to $1400 fine,” Sebulsky said.

• Download the CTV News app for local breaking news alerts on your mobile device

SGI said the combination of enforcement and education has helped reduce the number of crashes involved distracted driving.

“In 2010, that’s about the time that we introduced the new law, there were 61 fatalities that police attributed to some form of distraction whilst driving. In 2023 it was reduced to eight,” Quaye said.

SGI and the RPS will continue their education in reminding drivers to not use a cell phone while behind the wheel.