Enforcement officers gave distracted drivers extra attention last week.
They set up shop at the intersection of Highway 16 and 97 on March 3, and with the help of an official perched in a bucket truck on loan from the City of Prince George, they spotted 24 drivers using a cell phone or electronic device while behind the wheel.
Each were issued a ticket carrying a $368 fine and a four-point penalty plus a Driver Risk Premium assessed by ICBC.
"When you are distracted, you react more slowly, putting yourself and those around you at risk. Distracted driving is the second leading cause of fatal crashes in B.C. and this behaviour is 100 per cent preventable - it starts with you, the driver," Cpl. Jennifer Cooper said.
Vehicle insurance costs may be affected and too many points assessed against one’s license may result in a prohibition from driving.
Distracted driving not only includes using electronic devices but also includes other distractions such as personal grooming, eating or drinking, reading, insecure pets, other passengers and not knowing your route.
Prince George RCMP’s municipal traffic services collaborated with B.C. Highway Patrol, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Insurance Corporation of British Columbia and the Citizens on Patrol volunteers participated in the crackdown.
As well, nine tickets were issued for failing to wear a seatbelt, three were issued for too much window tint and 15 notice and order tickets were handed out for noted defects on the vehicle, three of which were for commercial vehicles.
