The tyranny of safety...
http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/03/09...-seizure-pitch
Alberta’s top cop is watching with interest following a pitch by police in B.C. to seize cell phones from distracted drivers in that province.
On Thursday, the B.C. Chiefs of Police Association passed a motion asking the government to expand their powers under the province’s distracted driving law to allow them to temporarily seize the cell phones of drivers caught talking or texting behind the wheel.
Under the proposal, which has been referred to a meeting in June, cops would take away phones roadside, which can be picked up at the police station 24 hours later.
The association is also considering asking to increase the current $167 penalty.
While Alberta’s Solicitor General Jonathan Denis wants to see results before taking action in this province, he said he is “watching with interest.”
“I would have to look at the constitutional implications and also whether it has had the desired effect of reducing distracted driving in other jurisdictions,” he said.
Calgary police chief Rick Hanson, who is also past president of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP), has pushed to add demerits to distracted drivers’ fines.
“I know distracted driving remains a significant safety issue in virtually every province and police services everywhere are looking for solutions,” Hanson said on Saturday.
“We have forwarded our (AACP) resolutions to the provincial government.
“The real answer is for common sense to prevail with drivers who still persist in texting while they drive and thereby create a significant risk to others on the road.”
The Calgary Police Association is also taking a wait and see approach, said president Howard Burns.
“The CPA recognizes that distracted driving is a serious problem that can have life-ending or life-altering consequences,” he said.
“Generally we would be supportive of initiatives that discourage distracted driving, as it is our members that get to deal with the carnage when things go wrong.”
He said anything beyond fines and demerits would require “significant thought and discussion.”
“If B.C.’s initiative actually reduces distracted driving, it may be worth considering for those who flagrantly disregard Alberta driving laws,” he said.
As for the police request to add demerits, Denis said he wants to wait to see how the current law is working.
“We will look at it at the end of the year and see if it’s necessary,” he said.
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