RCMP continue to witness widespread cell phone use by drivers. Distracted driving is the number two factor in fatal crashes in BC. (Alberta Motor Association)

By Dan Marshall

Driven to Distraction

‘They have no concept they’re operating a motor vehicle:’ RCMP ramp up enforcement on distracted drivers

Mar 16, 2020 | 7:12 AM

NANAIMO – The dogged determination of mid-Island drivers to use their cell phone while driving is forcing area RCMP to be more proactive in how they deal with distracted drivers.

Police are using March to blitz area roads in a bid to curb the dangerous behaviour.

According to ICBC, distracted driving is now the second leading factor in fatal crashes in B.C., ranking below speed but ahead of impaired driving.

Heavy penalties apply if drivers are caught using their phones while driving, including a $368 fine and four penalty points on your licence. The accumulation of points on a drivers license can result in an additional $252 fine.

Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW despite the repercussions, incidents of people talking and texting while driving are not going down.

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“We’ve had one individual who received a ticket for $368 and just ten minutes later he received the exact same ticket,” O’Brien said. “People like that are so focused on their phones they have no concept they’re operating a motor vehicle and that’s a dangerous thought.”

O’Brien added the habit seems to transcend demographics, with fines being levied against older people talking on their phones or younger ones checking social media or playing music.

ICBC’s Mark Milner noted drivers can take some personal steps to lessen the temptation to reach for their devices, including using the do not disturb function.

“What that will do is automatically send a response to any incoming texts, send calls directly to your voicemail and suppress notifications so your phone isn’t distracting you when you’re behind the wheel,” Milner said.

Using airplane mode, turning off your phone and keeping it out of sight are other recommended tips.

O’Brien said distracted driving isn’t limited to any specific location but one of the common actions is stopping at an intersection and checking messages on Facebook.

“That’s the last thing they should be doing while waiting at a light,” O’Brien said. “We’re seeing a lot of rear end accidents because people are having that one or two second pause while the light changes.”

On average, distracted driving kills nine people on Vancouver Island every year.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77