“Technology allows us to get in touch with anyone at any time, but the wrong time is when you’re behind the wheel,” Minister Vessey said. “Using a mobile device while driving is dangerous and illegal, so if you need to take a call or text, wait until you have safely pulled off the road.”

Driving while using a hand-held, wireless communication device became illegal in Prince Edward Island in 2010. These devices include cell phones, smart phones such as Blackberrys and iPhones, GPS systems, or laptops.

Violators face a fine of up to $400 and the loss of three points from their driver’s licence.

When the law was enacted in 2010 there were 97 convictions for distracted driving, which increased to 215 by 2013. The charging recently of several motorists for using mobile devices on Confederation Bridge has brought the issue up once again.

“The province appreciates the work that our law enforcement community is doing to educate the public on the dangers of distracted driving and bring offenders to justice,” Minister Vessey said. “Only by working together can we hope to change hazardous driving behaviors and make our roads safer – on every day of the year.”

For more on distracted driving visit www.gov.pe.ca/distracteddriving.