RCMP Traffic Services target distracted drivers in February
By Nelson Daily Staff
Reducing fatalities and serious injuries is the number one priority of the BC RCMP Traffic Services.
Which is why in February, RCMP officers around the province will be targetting distracted drivers.
“In the month of February police across B.C. will be targeting drivers who operate vehicles while using a handheld device,” said Cpl Robert McDonald of BC RCMP Traffic Services.
Holding a cell phone in your hand on speaker phone is an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act of Using an Electronic Device While Driving and could result in a fine of $167.
“This also applies to leaving the cell phone on your console and typing while stopped in traffic,” Cpl McDonald adds.
Preliminary statistics for 2012 indicate
- 30% of Motor Vehicle fatalities involved distracted driving
- 37% of Motor Vehicle serious injuries involved distracted driving
Since the implementation of legislation banning the use of handheld devices in January of 2010, police in British Columbia issued 105,972 violation tickets for use of handheld electronic devices.
“A hands free device is a device that is mounted to your vehicle or secured on your person and is operated by one touch,” Cpl McDonald explains.
Graduated License Program drivers (L and N drivers) are not permitted any use of electronic devices, including hands free devices.
Due to the increased danger, drivers who are observed to contravene other rules of the road while using a handheld device can be charged with Driving without Due Care and Attention.
Offences that put others at risk, including speeding, unsafe lane changes, following too close, fail to obey traffic control device will trigger the increased penalty.
The fine for Driving without Due Care and Attention under the Motor Vehicle Act is $368.
