Saskatchewan Government Insurance is kicking off the month of March by spotlighting distracted driving.

Manager of Media Relations Tyler McMurchy reveals the real life consequences when people don't put down the phone or whatever is taking their attention from driving.

"The consequences for distracted driving have been pretty severe so far. In 2015, distracted driving was a factor in nearly 5,700 collisions, those resulted in 36 deaths and 802 injuries."

Those numbers are staggering, and if that's not enough to deter drivers the financial hit is steep as well.

"A distracted driving ticket will cost you $280 and four demerit points," McMurchy added. "A repeat offender will have their vehicle seized for a week."

Distracted driving is the second highest causing factor in fatal collisions, behind impaired driving. Distracted driving goes beyond cell phone use as well, other instances could be eating, putting on make up or simply day dreaming while behind the wheel.