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Claims for distracted driving accidents jumped by 58 per cent in Alberta in the past two years, the biggest increase in the country, says a major insurer.

That compares to a national increase of 23 per cent and a jump in Ontario of 12 per cent, according to Aviva Canada.

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At the same time in Alberta, the total number of distracted driving convictions fell from 27,281 in 2016 to 24,665 last year.

Aviva Canada said its claims numbers climbed despite increased penalties meant to discourage the activity, which is largely due to the use of smart phones in vehicles.

“Despite increased penalties and awareness on this issue, too many Canadians are still driving distracted behind the wheel,” said Phil Gibson, the company’s chief underwriting officer.

“The majority of these accidents are preventable.”

Gibson was at a loss to explain why Alberta leads the dubious pack, noting the next-closest province was Quebec with an increase of 34 per cent.