Distracted driving has always been an issue in the province, but 2018 was the worst year yet. SGI reported the most tickets and impounded vehicles for cellphone use since 2010 when the law came into effect. 

These numbers don't necessarily mean more people are using cell phones more behind the wheel, it just means law enforcement around Saskatchewan is cracking down harder. 

"Police are doing a really good job at catching those distracted drivers. That's reflected in the number of one-week vehicle impoundments that we saw in 2018, which are a consequence of getting a second cellphone ticket in one years time," Tyler McMurchy, Media Relations Manager for SGI said. "In 2018, 87 people had to watch a tow truck haul their vehicle away for a weeks stay-cation at a local impound lot. That is by far the highest number of cellphone ticket impoundments since became the law in 2010."

Impoundments are a worst-case scenario for people, who are handed plenty of demerit points and given all sorts of financial costs. Even one distracted driving ticket carries large penalties. 

"It's a $280 fine and it's four points off your safe driver recognition. Depending on where you sit on that safe driver recognition scale, you may end up having to pay an additional financial penalty, or if you're on the positive side you may lose insurance discounts that you've earned," McMurchy said. 

Laws state you may not hold, look at or use cellphones while operating a motor vehicle. However, experienced drivers can have their mobile phones mounted on their dash to use with voice-activated capabilities. Having your phone on your lap using it for directions can still result in a ticket.

McMurchy says there is a good reason they're trying so hard to eradicate the epidemic. 

"Distracted driving is consistently one of, if not the leading factor, in collisions, injuries and fatalities on Saskatchewan roads. Those laws are in place for a reason — they're there to keep us all safe," he explained. 

He and SGI do offer some tips to try and fix the problem because the only way to fix it starts with us. 

"One of the things we advise people, especially if you're riding in a vehicle where someone is using their phone and driving at the same time, call them out. Tell the driver, 'that's not cool' and offer to do it for them. Whether that means changing the song, operating the GPS, replying to a text or taking a call," McMurchy said. "You can also put your phone on airplane mode before you set out. if you set your playlist and GPs before you go, you don't' have to manipulate it while you're driving."

March's Traffic Safety Spotlight for SGI is focusing on distracted driving.