It’s been just over a week since Alberta became the latest province to introduce laws against distracted driving. And even though we’ve had months to prepare, putting the law into practice has been harder than I expected.

Realizing that you’ll never be able to rehearse the recorder again or eat a lobster dinner while driving on Memorial Drive is one thing, but what I didn’t anticipate was how the new law would affect so many other facets of my life.

In the past eight days, I’ve learned that I’m a creature of habit. Like biting my nails, playing Angry Birds while coasting down Macleod trail had become a part of my daily routine. But with police on the look out, I no longer feel safe endlessly playing one of my phone’s most addictive games. 

Like with alcohol, being cut off immediately has caused dangerous side effects such as shaking and listening to local radio. I’ve also found myself playing Angry Birds at times when I wouldn’t normally. I’m also playing more at home, which means I’ve had to sacrifice things like friends, laundry, dating, eating and calling my mother.

When the government decided to implement this law, were things like my social life even considered?  Sadly, I don’t think it was. 

I know that the new law is meant to keep us from being distracted on the roadways, but with my phone safely tucked into my glove compartment, I now found myself being distracted by everyone else instead.

Where before I’d be busy uploading photos to Instagram, I’m now busier than ever guessing what movie those kids are watching in the back seat, or what song is that person trying to lip-synch to.

More often than not, I’m left with one lingering question: Why do so many grown-ups have Loony Tunes stuffed animals in their back windows?

While the distracted driving law has lots to do with safety on the road, it’s definitely having a ripple effect elsewhere.

I’m not sure why, but Calgarians seem to think that they must now always wear a hands-free device, whether they are in a car or not. I’ve read the law and there’s no need to use a device when you are walking down the street, eating in a food court or picking up your groceries.

Before last week, I could usually tell who might be off their rocker and who wasn’t, but now I just hand out money to anyone that looks like they are talking to themselves. Not only is this new law disrupting my routine, it’s also getting very expensive.