The Okotoks RCMP say that distracted driving is the most observed driving offence they see in town.

Of all the distracted driving cases they see, the most common case they see is people using their cellphones as they drive.

"So, in response to that, we just wanted to give the public a warning that we will be out in an enhanced patrol, where it'll be checkstops or spotters or even roving patrols looking to enforce distracted driving in Okotoks," explains Cpl. Ryan Edwards with the Okotoks RCMP. "And we are going to do that for the week between February 21st and February 28th."

While people tend to ask for a simple warning whenever they get pulled over, Cpl. Edwards says their announcement earlier this week counts as their warning.

"We are looking to enforce it, because it is becoming more and more visible and calls for service about people using their cell phone or driving distracted have increased," Edwards says.

A common thing they see is people holding their phone up to their faces while on speaker.

"They're saying, 'Well, I'm hands free.' Well, handsfree would be defined as not having anything in your hands other than the steering wheel," explains Edwards. 

Edwards adds that even if you are stopped at a red light, distracted driving laws still apply, because the driver is still operating the vehicle, even though the vehicle isn't moving.

Even though people on their phones is the most common case of distracted driving, Cpl. Edwards says that in some cases, people who are eating can also receive a distracted driving fine.

"Distracted Driving laws aren't meant to punish people for having a snack or having a drink, but using two hands to eat something would be considered distracted driving," says Edwards. "We've even seen people eating bowls of cereal or soup while they're driving."

He adds that trying to put coordinates into a dash mount GPS as you are driving would also be considered distracted driving.

"You're allowed to adjust the fan or your volume on your vehicle or end a call or accept a call, but to be just looking at something other than [the road] while you're driving would be distracted driving," Edwards says.

If you are charged with distracted driving, you will receive a $310 fine and three demerit points.