High risk drivers will be the focus of a month-long campaign in March by BC Highway Patrol officers around B.C., including on Vancouver Island. (file photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

distracted driving

‘We will be writing tickets:’ safe driving blitz coming across Vancouver Island

Feb 28, 2025 | 11:48 AM

NANAIMO — Police won’t shy away from issuing distracted driving tickets during a targeted enforcement campaign.

BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) officers province-wide assigned to numbered highways will be focusing on distracted drivers and improperly restrained drivers and passengers.

Vancouver Island is included in the month-long campaign, with BCHP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin telling NanaimoNewsNOW “education through enforcement” will be deployed throughout March.

“Distracted driving has become such a problem it’s actually neck-and-neck with impaired driving for the number of fatal collisions in the province every year, that is a very serious issue.”

While McLaughlin stated, “we’re not going to give away our trade secrets”, he said BCHP’s four Vancouver Island units between Victoria and Campbell River will all be active participants.

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According to ICBC data, an average of 10 people died annually in Vancouver Island crashes involving distracted driving between 2019 and 2023, while a total of 80 people died in B.C. over the period where distracted driving was deemed a contributing factor.

Monetary penalties for illegally using an electronic device for a standard motorist are $368 and four demerit points.

Other forms of distracted driving infractions without the use of a device can result in a $196 fine and six demerit points, Cpl. McLaughlin said.

“We want to educate, but if that’s not enough we will be writing tickets to make sure people are following the law.”

Cpl. McLaughlin said the most prevalent form of distracted driving is people handling their phones at stop lights.

While some drivers consider making a quick text at a light relatively benign, Cpl. McLaughlin said the high-risk behaviour vastly increases the odds of pedestrians and cyclists being hit at intersections, and senseless fender benders.

“When you’re focused on your phone, you’re not going to be able to see those people as well as if you’re focused on the road.”

On top of distracted drivers, improperly restrained drivers and passengers will also be prioritized during the month-long enforcement blitz.

Improperly secured child seats and seatbelt infractions carry fines of $109 and $167 respectively.

“There is still a real problem with compliance, especially in rural areas — once you get outside cities, some people just don’t want to wear their seatbelt,” Cpl. McLaughlin said.

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