Drivers are being asked to sign a pledge against texting while behind the wheel and to wear a thumb band to remind themselves of the dangers.
They're the features of a campaign against distracted driving supported by the B.C. Crime Prevention Association and Police Victim Services of B.C.
According to the BCCPA, texting and driving makes a person 23 times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash.
The BCCPA also says texting while driving is equivalent to driving after drinking four beers and that five seconds of texting while travelling at 80 km/h is equivalent to 91.4 metres of missed road - almost the length of a football field.
To sign the pledge, go to either www.bccpa.org or www.policevictimservices.bc.ca. The slogan Texting Kills is printed on the thumb bands.
Also, here are some tips to avoid texting while driving:
- Make any calls and send emails or texts before beginning to drive. Wait until you have arrived at your destination to continue.
- Turn your cellphone off or put it somewhere out of reach for the duration of your trip so you will not be tempted to use it while driving.
- Let your calls go to voicemail and listen to the messages once you are at your destination and have stopped driving.
- Ask your passengers to make or receive calls or text messages for you while driving.
- If you must use a personal electronic device while in the car, safely pull over and turn off the car before doing so.
- If you are caught texting and driving, you may be fined $167 and receive three penalty points.
