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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Patrolling RCMP officers are finding it difficult to catch drivers using their cellphones illegally while in highly-identifiable police vehicles.

Since Jan. 1, operating a cellphone, MP3 player or GPS while driving could land you a $115 fine and three demerit points, but police say they aren't catching as many violators as they believe are out there. - NNSL file photo

RCMP Staff Sgt. Brad Kaeding said officers are making a concerted effort to patrol for drivers using electronic devices, and fines have been issued, however, regular violators may spot police cars and put the electronic device away until they're out of the officers' view.

"We have had a few (fines issued)," said Kaeding. "I know (officers) have been going out and making a concerted effort to look for people using electronic devices while driving. You don't always see them when you're driving a police car but you do see them when you're walking home from work."

Kaeding also said new initiatives may be necessary in order to improve RCMP ability to spot and catch violators, but there are no plans for any at present.

As of Jan. 1, drivers in the NWT can be fined $115 and be issued three demerit points for driving while using an electronic device.

In addition to cellphones, prohibited electronic devices include MP3 players, cameras, laptop computers and Global Positioning Systems.

The RCMP can't state exactly how many fines have been issued because the statistics are not recorded in a distinct way from other traffic violations.

"We don't keep track of those statistics specifically," said Kaeding. "They get lumped into the statistics of either a moving traffic violation or a non-moving traffic violation."

Non-moving traffic violations include violations such as not having a valid driver's licence. Moving vehicle traffic violations include violations such as running through a stop sign, or using a cellphone while driving.

Kaeding said it's hard to determine the impact the fines are having on drivers this early on, but he would like to see some more educational materials available to drivers, explaining the bylaw and the dangers of driving while operating an electronic device.

The extra information may help to change drivers' cellphone habits.

"It's too early to tell (if the fines are making an impact)," said Kaeding. "It would be nice to have more educational messages about it to keep it fresh in people's mind but I'm not sure if there are plans outside of the RCMP to do that."

Earl Blacklock, manager of public affairs and communications for the Department of Transportation, said the department meets regularly with law enforcement to gather feedback on items like legislation and public awareness.

Blacklock said the department continues to include distracted driving as part of the Drive Alive Program in order to encourage drivers to stop using electronic devices while they're driving.

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