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Distracted drivers have been keeping RCMP busy in March.
Nearly 300 distracted driving tickets have been handed out in the Central Okanangan already this month as RCMP have stepped up enforcement.
“Our traffic enforcement officers have even taken to the busy streets of Kelowna in plain clothes as spotters, using unsuspecting vehicles to pull alongside other motorists,” states Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.
“A uniformed enforcement officer, staged in the area, would then be called in to conduct the traffic stop with that motorist.”
The increased enforcement has been part of March’s Distracted Driving Awareness campaign across the province that has demonstrated a discouraging pattern of distracted driving.
Police in the Lower Mainland reported issuing two distracted driving tickets within seven minutes to the same driver.
Distracted driver ticketed twice in 7 minutes. That’s $736 and 8 points. #NewWest #vancity #leavethephonealone pic.twitter.com/n1gClVOxkE
— NWPD Traffic (@NWPDtraffic) March 14, 2018
On March 6, North Vancouver RCMP issued 74 tickets for distracted driving within two hours, despite giving drivers an advance notice of their presence.
South Okanagan RCMP used a bus to spot distracted drivers, and handed out 54 cell phone violations in one weekend this month as well.
RCMP remind drivers that any use of a phone without a hands free device will result in a ticket as well as using a electronic device at a red light or stop sign.
Using an electronic device while behind the wheel can cost a driver a first time fine amount of $368 and 4 Driver Penalty Points.
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