Police around the province want motorists to put down their cellular phones and concentrate on driving, following last month’s Distracted Driving Campaign.
In February throughout British Columbia, more than 3,000 people were caught using electronic devices while driving.
Cpl. James Chung of the B.C. RCMP Traffic Services said 32 per cent of all traffic fatalities in RCMP jurisdictions last year had distracted driving as a factor. This works out to 104 deaths.
“Just because the phone rings it does not mean you have to answer it,” he said.
In the Lower Mainland, distracted driving was a factor in 45 deaths while in the southeast, including the Okanagan, 30 traffic deaths had distracted driving as a factor.
“Somebody needs to get the safety message,” he said.
Supt. Mike Diack of the RCMP’s E Division Traffic Services said motorists caught using handheld devices when driving have a wide range of excuses, including at least one who told police he was on his way to the mall to buy a Bluetooth device.
“Whatever people may say, there is simply no excuse, except calling for emergency assistance, to be using hand held electronic devices while driving,” Diack said. “The excuses won’t mean anything if you are involved in a collision that seriously injures or kills somebody because you made a phone call or sent a text message.”
Motorists using electronic devices when driving could face fines of $167 and in addition may receive three driver penalty points if they are caught e-mailing or texting.
Drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program may not use any prescribed electronic device, even if it is hands-free.
Chung said drivers do not have to be actively talking on the phone or sending a message to receive a ticket.
Even holding a cell phone while driving is an offense.
“We don’t even have to prove there’s a person on the other end,” he said.