A distracted driver getting a ticket recreated in lego by BC Highway Patrol.
Image Credit: BC Highway Patrol
September 05, 2023 - 3:50 PM
Police across BC are increasing their enforcement of distracted driving laws because of the biannual campaign to reduce collisions caused by cell phones and other distractions.
"Ask yourself if it is worth your life or someone else’s to answer a call, check your email or send that text while you are driving,” RCMP Chief Supt. Holly Turton said in a media release issued today, Sept. 5.
Every year in March and September, highway patrol focuses on catching distracted drivers, and the penalties are hefty. Fines for distracted driving start at $368 and four penalty points.
Most people are aware of the dangers of distracted driving, but ICBC says nearly half of BC residents admit to using their phone sometimes while driving. RCMP says distracted driving is the cause of 29% of deadly car crashes, or 77 deaths in BC every year.
Distracted driving is more than just texting, it includes checking your GPS, eating, drinking, insecure pets and rowdy passengers.
The police are urging people to focus on driving and wear their seatbelts to avoid tragic accidents and expensive tickets.
“Please make the right choice when you drive, ignore your phone and drive responsibly. Your life may depend on it, and others may depend on you to get to your destination safely," Chief Supt. Turton said.
Find more information here.
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