If you talk on the phone, text or check your email while driving, the Kelowna RCMP are looking to give you a ticket. Central Okanagan Traffic Services has kicked off a month long campaign targeting distracted drivers with a blitz yesterday, Sept. 4, in Kelowna.

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KELOWNA – If you talk on the phone, text or check your email while driving, the Kelowna RCMP are looking to give you a ticket.

Central Okanagan Traffic Services has kicked off a month long campaign targeting distracted drivers with a blitz yesterday, Sept. 4, in Kelowna.

Police set up surveillance along Lakeshore Road and Enterprise Way for seven hours and issued a staggering 102 tickets, according to a media release.

Of those, about half the tickets went to drivers using smart phone, which carry a fine of $167. Those caught dialing, texting or emailing also got three Driver Penalty Points.

The rest of the tickets went to drivers not wearing seat belts, with vehicle defects, insurance violations, without a valid drivers licence or speeding.

“Anytime a driver uses a hand held device while driving it takes their attention away from the road around them,” Const. Jesse says in the release. “Roadways are very dynamic environments with situations and circumstances which can change quickly. By taking your eyes off of the road for even a moment you increase the chance of a collision.”

O’Donaghey says there are some myths out there about driving and using electronic devices the RCMP would like to bust:

Myth One
“I can text or talk while stopped at a red light.”

FALSE - The law applies even when you are stopped at a red light.

Myth Two
“I can multi-task because I am a great driver.”

FALSE - Even a great driver needs to have their full attention focused on driving. You are not in control of the environment around you.

Myth Three
“Everyone can use a wireless Bluetooth device.”

FALSE - If you are a class seven new driver you are not permitted to use any sort of electronic device.

Myth Four
“I can hold my electronic device in my hand.”

FALSE - Simply holding the electronic device in your hand is considered an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Howard Alexander at halexander@infonews.ca. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

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