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A month-long campaign is starting, targeting distracted driving around the province.
The campaign is being launched by police, ICBC, and the B.C. government to combat distracted driving. In the province, distracted driving is the second leading cause of car crash fatalities with an average of 88 people killed a year.
In the Southern Interior, distracted driving-related crashes take an average of 32 lives every year.
For the campaign, community policing Cell Watch volunteers will be on the sides of the roads, reminding drivers to leave the phone alone. Road safety coordinators from ICBC will also be visiting community events and bringing a driving simulator. You can pick up a decal from ICBC licencing offices to take a stand against distracted driving as well.
“We’ve seen first-hand the tragic consequences of driving distracted of all types,” said Chief Officer Neil Dubord, Transit Police and Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee. “That’s why police will be cracking down on drivers who are putting themselves and others at risk.”
(Photo Credit: ICBC)
“When you’re distracted behind the wheel, you react slower, and you run the risk of not seeing something incredibly important, such as a child darting out onto the roadway unexpectedly,” said Scott Hamilton, MLA for Delta North. “In fact, you’re four times more likely to crash if you’re using your phone while driving. Leave your phone alone when you’re on the road, pay attention to your surroundings and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Using hand-held personal electronic devices while driving has been banned in the province since 2010.
Infographic. (Photo Credit: ICBC)
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