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The majority of BC drivers say they've seen someone talking on a cell phone or texting recently and believe fines should doubled for repeat offenders.

According to a Research Co. Poll, 62% of BC residents said in the past four weeks they've witnessed someone talk or text while driving, which is up 16 points since an earlier poll in April 2022.

The Fraser Valley was the worse spot for distracted drivers with 82% seeing one recently, that number drops dramatically to 59% in Southern BC.

In Northern BC 66% said they since a distracted driver recently, and on Vancouver Island 63% said they had. Metro Vancouver comes out on top but 57% still say they've seen a distracted driver.

The current fine for texting or using an electronic device while driving is $368 and four penalty points, equivalent to $214 on an insurance premium.

"This means a total of $582 for a first-time infraction," a Research Co. Poll media release says.

The majority (54%) of BC residents say this fine is about right, while 29% deem it "too low" and 12% "too high."

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More than two-thirds of BC residents (67%) say repeat offenders should have their electronic devices seized, with almost 80% of those over 55 years old supporting this.

Doubling the distracted driving fine to $1,240 is favoured by 62% of BC residents.

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NDP voters are more likely to want steeper fines but not by much.

"Most British Columbians who voted for each of the three major parties in the 2020 provincial election believe it is time to implement steeper fines for distracted drivers," Research Co. president Mario Canseco said in the release. "Three-in-five residents who cast ballots for the BC Liberals or the BC Green Party (60% each), along with 68% of those who voted for the BC New Democratic Party, agree on this issue."

The poll also found that slightly more than half of BC residents would be happy to see distracted drivers suspended for a year.

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