The Alberta government announced Wednesday it is developing legislation focused on the use of distracting electronic devices in cars - and B.C. may soon follow suit.
According to Alberta's transportation department, the law will go beyond cell phones and texting to include all types of devices and behaviour that keeps distracted drivers' eyes off the road.
B.C.'s public safety critic Mike Farnworth says similar legislation is long overdue in the province.
"You're supposed to be driving, you're not supposed to be watching a DVD, you're not supposed to be texting. You're supposed to be paying attention to the road," Farnworth said.
The government has been reluctant to impose electronic device restrictions, but things may be changing. The public has been consulted and the provinces says it will have more to say about driver distraction this fall.
While texting and driving may seem harmless, it can cause carnage on the roads. Earlier this year, it proved deadly for a Victoria man.
"That vehicle lost control on a wet road," Saanich Police Sgt. John Price said. "It is believed by our analysts that he was in the act of text messaging."
Six Canadian provinces have already adopted cell phone legislation, and many British Columbians are hoping their government takes action soon - before more motorists are driven to distraction.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Jim Beatty
