Police across the province will be out in full force to crack down on distracted drivers this March, designated as distracted driving month by the BC Chiefs of Police.
This is a campaign supported by the provincial government, police, and ICBC.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes with pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Research has shown that distracted driving is the second leading contributing factor in car crash fatalities in BC, and on average, is the main contributing factor in approximately 76 car crash fatalities on BC roadways annually, including an average of 26 deaths every year in the Lower Mainland alone.
While drivers normally associate distracted driving to cellphone usage and rightly so, it can also include any activity that impacts your ability to focus on the road while in control of your vehicle. This may include such behaviours as such as driving while your pet is on your lap, eating, seeking music, attending to personal grooming, or using GPSes or cellphones.
The Richmond RCMP respond to numerous collisions where the cause of the crash was due to the driver being distracted. Last year Richmond RCMP issued 1760 violation tickets to drivers observed using an electronic device in a manner contrary to the Motor Vehicle Act while on the road, says Sergeant Nigel PRONGER, the NCO in charge of the Road Safety Unit.
Many of these drivers were slowing or stopped in traffic, and thought that this was an acceptable time to check their phone for messages. It's not, and that text will cost you $368. Not to mention the numerous collisions the RCMP respond to where the cause of the crash was due to the driver being distracted. Know the rules, especially around use of electronic devices or you will pay the price.
Fines for distracted driving range from $368 for first-time offenders and 4 demerit points, to as much as $2,000 in financial penalties for repeat offenders, in addition to their regular insurance premiums.
Some tips for drivers:
Program your infotainment system in advance instead of doing it while driving;
Find your directions before you start driving or pull over to operate your GPS;
Stay focused on the road and resist the urge to check texts or read emails;
Even when you are stopped at a red light or in heavy traffic, you still need to be aware of what is going on around you. You are less likely to see pedestrians, cyclists or sudden braking of vehicles ahead of you if you are distracted;
It is important to note for drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP), that they are not allowed to use their phones at all, even hands free. This includes using GPS, maps, or streaming music.