It appears distracted driving is still an issue across Alberta and Police want to make sure you're aware of its dangers.

As part of Distracted Driving Awareness month, law enforcement throughout the province will be keeping an extra eye out for those who are distracted behind the wheel.

Cst. Dan Martin of the Airdrie RCMP says, unfortunately, police are still catching many distracted drivers.

"Obviously a lot of tickets are written for that. I believe the Integrated Traffic Unit wrote over 6000 in 2016 for distracted driving. We just want people to be aware that there are several steps they can take to avoid being distracted while driving."

Some of those steps include putting your phone away and pulling over to a safe spot if you need to answer a call or attend to children in the backseat.

Cst. Martin points out though that it's not just cell phones they look for.

"Distracted driving, under the Traffic Safety Act, also involves personal grooming so obviously no shaving or doing makeup, brushing your teeth, that kind of thing in the vehicle. It includes reading so no reading books. Even reading a map while driving a vehicle is considered distracted."

Under the distracted driving law, you could face a fine of $287 and three demerit points.

RCMP say that since the law was introduced in 2011 until March of 2017, there were 139,579 convictions.

Although the month is dedicated to raising awareness of distracted driving, Cst. Martin says it's something Airdrie RCMP look for year round.

"We do have enhance traffic safety on pretty much at any time within the City of Airdrie. We do have traffic members looking out for this daily."

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