Saskatoon Police will be paying particular attention to distracted driving as they launch Operation Hands Free.

The enforcement initiative began today and will continue through October 4, 2014. Members of the Traffic Unit will be watching for drivers who are using cell phones or smart phones while operating a vehicle.

Operation Hands Free is part of a nationwide traffic safety initiative called Operation Impact, which is endorsed by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. The goal is to raise public awareness about the dangers of engaging in dangerous behaviour while behind the wheel.

According to the Canadian Automobile Association the crash odds rise significantly when drivers are distracted;

Text messaging on a cell phone - 23 times more likely to have a collision.

Talking on a cell phone - 4 to 5 times more likely to have a collision.

Dialing on a handheld device - 3 times more likely to have a collision.