Distracted Driving Campaign Catches Thousands Using Hand Held Devices
By 250 News
Wednesday, March 02, 2011 11:51 AM
Vancouver, BC - More than 3,000 people were caught using electronic devices during the RCMP and IntegratedRroad Safety Unit crackdown last month.
“From a policing perspective it is disappointing to see the numbers that high,” explains Superintendent Mike Diack, “E” Division Traffic Services. “Last year, distracted driving was a contributing factor in 104 collision fatalities in British Columbia. As police we hope that people realize that their actions can affect those around them and adjust their behavior accordingly, in this case not using hand held devices while behind the wheel.”
Superintendent Diack says police officers have heard a wide range of excuses from people justifying using hand held electronic devices, primarily phones. These include: “I was just on my way to the mall to buy a blue tooth”, “I was just telling my husband to call back later because I’m driving”, and “I thought I might miss an important call.”
“Whatever people may say there is simply no excuse, except calling for emergency assistance, to be using hand held electronic devices while driving. The excuses won’t mean anything if you are involved in a collision that seriously injures or kills somebody because you made a phone call or sent a text message,” says Supt Diack.
Inspector Eric Brewer, Officer in Charge of North District Traffic Services, commented, “Clearly attention was brought back to Distracted Driving and the inherent dangers involved in this activity, while operating a vehicle. It reminded people of this illegal activity and it highlighted the fact we are seeing the overall crash picture shift towards more and more crashes being caused due to Distracted driving. I would suggest overall yes it was successful by doing exactly what it was supposed to, educate the public.”
Over the span of the campaign members across the North District wrote 501 tickets for talking or texting on a cell phone. In the Prince George area, a total of 77 charges were laid.
The numbers for the North District, which encompasses everything north of 100 Mile House may seem low. But, when compared to the Lower Mainland District, where they issued 3038 charges, it is important to consider the population variance; 2.6 million in the Lower Mainland versus 334,000 for the north. The numbers suggest the problem is serious in the region especially since there are areas where there is little or no cell service.
As an offshoot to the Distracted Driving issue, North District noted a high volume of people not wearing their seatbelts. In the Prince George area alone, 238 charges were issued for not wearing seat belts, using child restraints or booster seats. Overall across the District, 1006 violations for seatbelt non- compliance were issued. Eleven of the violaations were for either no booster seat or for not having a child properly restrained or not restrained at all.
The fine for using an electronic device without hands-free while driving is $167. In addition, drivers may receive 3 Driver Penalty Points (DPP) if they are caught emailing or texting.
Drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) are not permitted to use any prescribed electronic device at all, even if it is hands-free. GLP drivers will receive the $167 fine and 3 DPP for violating the Distracted Driving Legislation.
Drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) are not permitted to use any prescribed electronic device at all, even if it is hands-free. GLP drivers will receive the $167 fine and 3 DPP for violating the Distracted Driving Legislation.
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Posted by: PrinceGeorge on March 2 2011 2:59 PM
Isn't that absolutely disgusting?
People still think they can drive and play at the same time. Oh, can't miss that call!
Oh, I don't have a problem, I'm good at multitasking.
Hope the ones that lived feel the pain of the ones who didn't.