Coquitlam RCMP are going to be watching for distracted drivers in an enforcement campaign this month.
"On average, 81 people are killed each year" in distracted driving-related crashes throughout B.C., said Const. Jamie Phillipson. "So this is a priority for officers on a daily basis."
Distracted driving is now the second leading cause of car crash fatalities in B.C., moving ahead of impaired driving-related fatal crashes. More than 800 crashes occur every day in B.C., many of them caused by risky driving behaviours including distracted driving, according to ICBC.
"You're five times more likely to crash if you're using your phone, so when you're behind the wheel, stay focused on driving," said ICBC's road safety coordinator Kathleen Nadalin in a release.
Law enforcement agencies throughout the province are partnering with ICBC to remind drivers that using an electronic device while driving is both dangerous and against the law.
An enforcement blitz during the distracted driving campaign last September resulted in 32 tickets in one afternoon.
"There are still people who refuse to put the phone down while driving or feel it's safe to text while stopped at a red light," said Sgt. Terry MacDonald of the
Coquitlam RCMP Traffic Services section. "The consequences are far too great to justify that quick phone call or last-second text. If it's that important, pull over when it's safe to do so and keep the conversation brief."
Police also suggest assigning a "designated texter" who can make or receive calls or texts for you, and if you can't resist the temptation to look at your phone, simply turn it off or store it in the trunk while driving.
Pedestrians and cyclists are advised to remove headphones and put away cellphones to be better aware of their surroundings.
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