Get Back in the Habit:

Checking your notifications while stopped at a red light. Reaching for your coffee. Switching your playlist. None of this feels like distracted driving — but it is. The most common distractions aren’t the obvious ones — they’re the ones we’ve convinced ourselves are fine, as long as it’s us doing it and not other drivers. Most Albertans agree distracted driving is a major safety risk, and according to a 2023 AMA survey, 83% say it threatens their well-being. “Distracted driving is one of the most common and preventable causes of collisions in Canada,” says Hannah Hamilton, AMA’s advocacy program manager. As vehicles become more connected — with touchscreens and integrated apps built into the driving experience — distracted moments are easier to slip into. In Alberta, distracted driving can incur a $390 fine and three demerit points. But the consequences can extend far beyond a penalty, reaching passengers, pedestrians and everyone else we share the road with. “Most distractions don’t feel dangerous in the moment, but when technology, food and passengers all demand attention, it becomes easier to lose focus on what’s important — the road around us,” Hamilton says. In 2025 alone, Alberta saw 9,648 distracted driving convictions, highlighting how common these behaviours are.