RCMP traffic enforcement officers in B.C. will be on the lookout for distracted drivers and those not wearing seatbelts in September. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

driving enforcement

Police province-wide focus on distracted driving during September campaign

Sep 7, 2023 | 5:24 AM

NANAIMO — Being distracted by your phone while driving can be a deadly and costly proposition, particularly this month.

BC Highway Patrol Cpl. Mike Moore said every September and March police enforcement efforts focus on distracted drivers and ensuring motorists are buckled up.

“Not only on the Island but throughout the whole province. Drivers can expect to see that stepped up level of enforcement — it’s especially important now with children back in school.”

Stating distracted driving is a leading cause of fatal collisions in the province, Cpl. Moore said intersections are historically a hot spot for distracted drivers.

“Motorists can expect to see enforcement at intersections and that could involve officers on foot or in a marked or unmarked police vehicles.”

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Penalties for distracted and careless driving are each $368, on top of penalty point demerits, and potentially Driver Risk Premium repercussions from ICBC.

“It’s more than just using an electronic device, it also includes other distractions like personal grooming, eating and drinking, reading, insecure pets, or even other passengers distracting the driver,” Moore told NanaimoNewsNOW.

According to ICBC data, distracted driving was the leading cause of fatal crashes in the province in 2020 and 2021.

On Vancouver Island 13 people were among 80 fatalities province-wide due to distracted driving in 2021, which was the latest available data from ICBC.

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