The RCMP in New Brunswick says it has handed out 672 tickets since distracted driving legislation came into effect a year ago.

As of June 6, 2011, drivers in the province are prohibited from handling or using cell phones, texting devices and global positioning systems while driving.

"There are still New Brunswickers who continue to use handheld devices while driving, or who have gone back to their old habit of doing so," says Staff Sgt. Stéphane Caron of the New Brunswick RCMP's Traffic Services.

She says a recent study shows that motorists who use handheld devices while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a collision. According to the study conducted by CAA, drivers who text behind the wheel are 28 times more at risk.

"It's those people we are ticketing in order to make our roads safer," says Caron.

Any driver caught breaking the law is subject to a fine of $172.50 and the loss of three points from his or her licence.