Almost 800 Edmonton drivers have been ticketed for driving while distracted since the legislation became law four months ago.

Edmonton police have issued 778 tickets for distracted driving. (CBC)

“Changing old habits like talking on the phone while driving takes persistence and continued reinforcement,” says Acting Staff Sgt. Barry Maron, with the traffic section.

In the first four months of the new legislation, police issued 778 tickets for distracted driving.

The vast majority, 94 per cent, were issued for drivers operating vehicles while using a cell phone.

During the month of February, traffic and patrol officers will target drivers using cellphones, engaged in personal grooming, or other distracted behaviours.

Police will also conduct a distracted-driver enforcement blitz over one undisclosed weekend in February.

“As promised back in September, police will focus on distracted driving in February as part of STEP, the provincial Selective Traffic Enforcement Program," said Maron.

2011 Distracted Driving Tickets (Courtesy EPS)

Charge		Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total
Drive/operate vehicle with cell phone/other communication device		188	147	212	181	728
Drive/operate vehicle with hand-held/wireless electronic device		4	0	2	3	9
Drive/operate vehicle with activated display screen		0	0	1	2	3
Drive/operate vehicle and use GPS		2	1	0	2	5
Drive/operate vehicle while distracted		8	3	4	2	17
Drive/operate vehicle while reading/viewing material		1	3	1	1	6
Drive/operate vehicle while engaged in personal hygiene		1	1	3	2	7
Drive/operate vehicle with other activities		3	0	0	0	3
Total		207	155	223	193	778*

*Current tally subject to change with ticket processing.

The fine for breaking the distracted driving law is $172.

Drivers exhibiting riskier behaviour can be charged with careless driving and be fined $402 and six demerit points.