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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
No tickets have been issued yet, but that doesn't mean police won't hand one out if they see you talking on your cellphone while driving, says RCMP Const. Todd Scaplen.

Sam Embleton, a Grade 11 student at Sir John Franklin, says he always tries to pull over when using his cellphone. However, he said it will still take some adjusting to the new law against using electronic devices while driving is in effect. - Kevin Allerston/NNSL photo

Some drivers have been under the impression there is a grace period for people to get used to the law, a point Scaplen is quick to correct.

"There were some people thinking there might be a grace period; it's fully enforceable as of 12:01 a.m. on January first," Scaplen said.

The penalty for being caught using an electronic device while driving is a $115 fine and three demerit points.

"People are responding positively," said Scaplen.

"Traffic services haven't fined anybody for any infractions; I can't speak for other divisions."

"Some people's first response when they see us is 'How many tickets have you written so far with the new law?'"

The law does include some exemptions, such as "peace officers and other emergency responders in carrying out their duties under any enactment," according to a Department of Transportation information sheet.

"Some of the CB radios that are in there for truckers or people who work on the seasonal roads where they communicate with CB radios, that's not part of our legislation," said Scaplen.

Sam Embleton, a Grade 11 student at Sir John Franklin High School, said he agrees with the law.

"It doesn't really bother me that much. I don't think people should text and drive," said Embleton. "Generally, if I have to take a cellphone call I pull over, but with the new rule, I will have to make sure to do it.

He said it will be an adjustment to not be able to change songs on an MP3 player while driving, as well.

The law doesn't just apply to cellphones, but other devices such as MP3 players, cameras and laptop computers.

Blair Weatherby, president of Weatherby Trucking, said he doesn't support the new law, and that it has caused issues for his company.

"Just in our own business, it's been really tough. We bought all our guys cell phones so we can get a hold of them easily, so now ... you got to pull over to the side of the road," said Weatherby. What are they going to do, ticket people for putting on lipstick now? That's more distracting than using a phone." said Weatherby.

He also said that while he is happy the company's two-way radios are exempt, he thinks it is a double standard for peace officers to be able to use a phone while driving.

"We're professional drivers too," said Weatherby.

Shirley McGrath, office manager for City Cab, said she supports the ban.

"It's a territorial law and we expect our drivers to obey the laws," said McGrath. "I think it's dangerous to be driving when you don't have your focus on the traffic conditions around you."

Earl Blacklock, communications manager for the Department of Transportation, said the ban brings the NWT up to speed with other jurisdictions in Canada.

"A large number of collisions and fatalities are associated with distractions while driving. One of the ones we can do something about is the distraction of using hand-held electronic devices," said Blacklock. "When we look at the other jurisdictions, we recognize that pretty well every jurisdiction has a law against cellphones.

"The main concern is that you simply cannot drive as safely when you are distracted, when you are not giving your full attention to the road. Driving deserves your full attention."

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