It's never a good idea to be texting or talking on a cellphone while driving but especially so this month.
Throughout March, police will be keeping an even more vigilant eye out for drivers who insist on using electronic devices while behind the wheel as part of a campaign to crack down on distracted driving.
Anyone who gets caught will get a ticket carrying a $167 fine and see three points added to their driving record.
There's a reason: Distracted driving is responsible for roughly one quarter of all fatal crashes in B.C., making it the second-leading cause of road deaths in the province, according to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.
On average, 15 people are killed in distracted driving-related crashes in the North Central region and, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the odds of crashing increase by five times when using your phone, whether dialing, texting, reading or using social media.
It will be even more unwise to try to skirt the law on St. Patrick's Day. That's when a one-day blitz that will see every police officer, on traffic duty or not, to go out and enforce the law against distracted driving, said North District RCMP traffic services Cpl. Madonna Saunderson.
There is specific section of the Motor Vehicle Act against using an electronic device while driving - unless it's hands free - but drivers who insist on shaving or putting on lipstick or have a dog in their lap can also be subject to a penalty for driving without due care and attention under the MVA, Saunderson noted.
Drivers who see others violating those laws are welcome to call the Prince George RCMP detachment at 250-561-3300, or for outside city limits, North District RCMP at 250-561-3100. Do not call 911 and make sure you have the vehicle's licence plate number.
"That helps us determine the possible address, if they're driving home, and at minimum we can speak to them," Prince George RCMP Cpl. Craig Douglass said. If a ticket is issued and the driver fights it, the caller might have to testify in court, he added.
New drivers are not allowed to use any election device behind the wheel, including hands-free headsets or speakerphones. And any driver in the novice stage who's caught must restart the 24-month novice period after getting their licence back.
Also, a driver who endangers others because of any distraction, including using a hand-held or hands-free device, could be charged with careless driving, or even dangerous driving under the Criminal Code. Both charges carry heavy fines and penalties.
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Tips for safe cell phone use
Leave your phone alone: No call or text is worth risking your life or others. Let calls go to voicemail and ignore your text messages while driving. Remember using a phone at a stop light is still prohibited.
Pull over to make or receive a call: If you have to take a call, pull over if it's safe to do so or use your phone in hands-free mode; stay focused on the road and keep the conversation brief.
Plan to avoid distraction: Turn your cell phone off or place it in the trunk of your car so you won't be tempted to talk, email or text when you're on the road.
Assign a designated texter: Ask your passengers to make or receive calls and texts for you.
Keep your hands off: Hands-free means a Bluetooth or wired headset or speakerphone. If you're using a headset or headphones, remember that drivers can only wear them in one ear. Motorcyclists however, can use two earphones while riding.
Law enforcement: Police officers and emergency responders are the only drivers permitted to use mobile devices behind the wheel.
- Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
