A blitz against drivers using cellphones captured 19 people in only 90 minutes. (file photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

blitz

Nanaimo RCMP blitz catches too many drivers on their cellphones

Sep 25, 2020 | 12:28 PM

NANAIMO — A traffic blitz targeting people using cellphones while driving had familiar results.

Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said 19 people received tickets during a 90 minute stakeout on the Island Hwy. intersection at Norwell Dr. and Bowen Rd.

“It ran the whole gamut from new drivers to experienced, young and old, fancy cars to beaters.”

O’Brien said with distracted driving messaging clearly not getting through to many, enforcement is their best tool against using cellphones while driving.

“These people are not only getting a $368 fine, they’re four penalty points. If you’re getting a second offence you’re most likely getting a prohibition. If that’s what it takes to get somebody to stop texting, remove their license and get them off the road, so be it.”

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When asked, O’Brien said he expected roughly 50 per cent of those ticketed would go back to using their cellphones while driving.

From June 1 to Sept. 24, 80 tickets by Nanaimo RCMP were given to motorists for using an electronic device while driving.

O’Brien said distracted driving is the second-leading cause of “carnage” on highways.

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