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Enforcement efforts decrease fatalities

Coquitlam RCMP is crediting increased traffic enforcement for a significant decrease in fatalities and injuries in the detachment's patrol area.

Coquitlam RCMP is crediting increased traffic enforcement for a significant decrease in fatalities and injuries in the detachment's patrol area.

According to the local detachment, which polices Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam, in 2006, motor vehicle collisions claimed the lives of 12 people and injured 61 others. In 2010, there was one traffic fatality and 36 injuries - and numbers continue to show improvements this year.

Sgt. Dave Stewart of the Coquitlam RCMP traffic section said officers' focus on several key intersections and high-crash locations has led to the improved accident statistics.

"We realize we cannot be everywhere all the time," he said. "We deploy our enforcement teams at locations where we could reduce the most fatalities and serious injuries.

"We have been doing it for more than five years and strategic enforcement has proven to be an effective way to save lives."

Another area of enforcement concerns distracted driving. During a month-long campaign in September of this year, police issued 245 tickets to drivers using their cellphone or another hand-held device while operating their vehicle.

Some drivers who were issued tickets told police they were only answering their phone to tell the caller they were unable to talk and a few others said they thought they were allowed to text at red lights.

"Even at 50 km per hour, taking your eyes off the road for 10 seconds to text is as dangerous as driving a city block with your eyes closed," Stewart said.

Police spent the summer cracking down on drunk driving and said 69 drivers found to be under the influence were removed from the roads.

gmckenna@tricitynews.com