Manitoba Public Insurance is funding increased police enforcement to catch distracted drivers in the act.
MPI is targeting the enforcement programs for April, July and October in Winnipeg, Brandon, Winkler, Morden and the RCMP.
“On average, one in three road deaths and thousands of collisions are attributed to distracted driving annually,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for communications with MPI.
“These dedicated projects are highly successful, resulting in nearly 13,000 offence notices issued over the last six years. Changing driver behaviour can be achieved by the combination of education, awareness and law enforcement.”
Drivers caught using a hand-operated electronic device while driving will receive an automatic three-day driver licence suspension and $672 fine. Upon conviction, the driver will also move down five levels on their Driver Safety Rating.
A second offence, within a 10-year period, results in an automatic seven-day driver licence suspension and $672 fine. A conviction will also result in five demerits.
