On March 17, 2017, in recognition of a Provincial Distracted Driver campaign, a police officer wearing fluorescent yellow construction overalls stood on the side of the road where he observed drivers using their electronic devices.
Sergeant Lorne Lecker and his team with Deas Island Traffic Services staged an operation to watch for distracted drivers on the Hwy 91 approach to the Alex Fraser Bridge in Surrey.
North of 72nd Avenue, the team of police officers wrote over 30 tickets in just 90 minutes to drivers using their phones, not wearing their seatbelts or running the red light.
Despite the increase in the fines, we are still seeing drivers using their phones states Constable Melissa Wutke, spokesperson for BC Traffic Services. Drivers appear to be under the misinformation that they can use their devices when stopped in traffic, and that is certainly not the case.
Anytime you are holding your device in your hand, or taking your eyes off of the road to manipulate buttons on that device, you are considered using the device and subject to the $368 fine under the Motor Vehicle Act reiterates Cst. Wutke. It doesn’t matter if your vehicle is stopped.
Sgt. Lecker says that the construction workers in the area very much appreciated the police effort.
Roadways are very dynamic environments with situations and circumstances that can change quickly. By taking your eyes off of the road for even a moment you increase the chance of a collision or accident.
Drivers are reminded that any cell phone or electronic device in your vehicle must be affixed to the dash and the driver may only operate that device with one touch. Drivers may not watch the screens on those devices.
Graduated Licence class 7 drivers or those who are required to display an L or N on the vehicle may not use any electronic device at all, including hands free or GPS.
