IRSU and WKTS target distracted drivers
By Nelson Daily Staff
Drivers in the West Kootenay had better pay special attention the road and less on that cell phone call while in operation of a motor vehicle because members of the West Kootenay Traffic Services (WKTS) and the Integrated Road Safety Unit (IRSU) have joined fellow officers from around the province in an all-out blitz targeting distracted drivers.
During February police will conduct an awareness and enforcement campaign.
Police will be on the lookout for distracted driving behaviours commonly seen such as, texting while driving, talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving, putting on makeup while driving and reading a newspaper or book while driving.
If drivers need to make a phone call on a cellular phone or check email, they are advised to use a hands free device, or pull their vehicle over.
“West Kootenay Traffic Services (WKTS) and the Integrated Road Safety Unit (IRSU) have been doing some enforcement this week in Nelson and New Denver to target distracted driving and failure to wear seat belts,” Staff Sergeant Dan Seibel of the Kootenay Boundary Regional Detachment said.
“(And) will continue to set up in other West Kootenay areas during the rest of this month.”
To help catch distracted drivers, police have used clever ways such as posing as pedestrians at cross walks.
This method is nothing new to IRSU and WKTS officers in the West Kootenay who in the past have posed as a camera-carrying tourist to catch motorists.
Officers then radio the license or make of vehicle to uniformed police ahead who then flag the driver down.
The fine for using an electronic device without hands-free while driving is $167.
Drivers caught texting or emailing may receive 3 Driver Penalty Points (DPP) in addition to the fine.
RCMP Drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) are not permitted to use any prescribed electronic device, even if it is hands-free.
GLP drivers will receive the $167 fine and 3 DPP for violating the Distracted Driving Legislation.
