Distracted drivers take at hit during enforcement campaign

Prince George RCMP had no trouble finding distracted drivers during a two-month enforcement campaign.

Over February and March, tickets for the offence were issued to more than 100 motorists, according to numbers released Wednesday.

Of that total, 92 were pulled over for using a cell phone while driving, while 10 tickets were issued for driving without due care and attention and a further five for driving with an obstructed view or controls - driving with pets on laps or cargo blocking the front window for example.

They were pulled over during roadside enforcement checks, sometimes with the help of Citizen on Patrol volunteers who kept their eyes out for distracted drivers and radioed licence plate numbers to RCMP stationed up the road.

"These numbers demonstrate the need for more distracted driving enforcement," said Sgt. Matt LaBelle of the detachment's traffic services section. "Even though this campaign is now over, we will continue to seek out drivers on their phones."

Officers also located and charged 140 persons for failing to wear a seatbelt during the checks.

Drivers who need to make a phone call or check their messages are urged use a hands-free device or park their vehicle in a safe place off the road, when it is safe to do so. A safe place does not include the shoulder of a highway.

Just holding a cellphone or plugging it in while in motion or using it while stopped at a red light still count as distracted driving, which is considered the second-most common cause of deaths and injuries on B.C. roads.

Even if the behaviour doesn't lead to a collision, getting caught driving while distracted can lead to a hefty fine.

A first-time offence costs $543 in total costs for a first-time offender - made up of the initial fine of $368, plus four demerit points for a further $175.

Total costs go up to $888 for a second offence and increase for each subsequent offence.