36 drivers ticketed, others warned as 3.5-hour distracted driving campaign rolls out on the West Shore: RCMP
· CHEKMounties on the West Shore say despite being widely advertised, their recent distracted driving campaign resulted in nearly 40 drivers getting ticketed.
They sum it up as an “unfortunate success.”
Although there was police presence, signage and advanced warnings, officers handed out 30 violation tickets and 18 written warnings for distracted driving, plus six tickets and three warnings for driving offences during the July 25 campaign.
Police say they’re disappointed in the amount of tickets issued.
“We had hoped the number would have been much less,” said Const. Sean Van Londersele with West Shore RCMP’s traffic unit. “Drivers would have passed by numerous signs warning them … before being pulled over by police.”
The entire event lasted 3.5 hours, according to police on Tuesday.
West Shore RCMP says the detachment partnered with ICBC and BC Highway Patrol “to remind drivers to stay focused on the road and avoid distractions.”
Colleen Woodger, an ICBC road safety coordinator, says distracted driving is one of the leading contributing factors to fatal collisions in the province.
The insurance corporation says distracted driving is, on average, a contributing factor in 38 per cent of all police-reported crashes in B.C. An infographic on its website notes that drivers are 3.6 times more likely to crash if they’re using their cell phones.
Drivers had fair warning: RCMP
Police say drivers were warned well in advance via local radio, news, and the placement of no-distracted-driving signs up and down Veterans Memorial Parkway, as well as districted-driving messaging on highway digital billboards in the area.
“Yes, that’s correct,” they said. “The distracted driving campaign had officers and volunteers stationed at three locations along Veterans Memorial Parkway. This area was chosen due to the high volume of traffic during the afternoon hours.”
Since 2010, B.C. has banned the use of handheld personal devices while driving, and this also applies to drivers stopped at a red light or slowed in traffic.
“We have always taken a zero-tolerance approach to distracted driving, and it needs to stop,” added Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth.
“(If) you are caught using your cell phone while you drive, the consequences are steep. Don’t put yourself or others at risk — follow the rules of the road.”
In B.C., using an electronic device while driving can result in a $368 ticket and four penalty points against the driver’s license under the Motor Vehicle Act. Stricter penalties, including driving prohibitions, could be imposed for L and N drivers.
West Shore RCMP says road safety is a top priority for the detachment, and officers plan to conduct more road safety campaigns in the future.