Additional distracted driving enforcement operations throughout March

Richmond

2025-02-28 08:16 PST

Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit in conjunction with Richmond RCMP Community Engagement Team, Richmond RCMP volunteers and ICBC are partnering throughout the month of March to conduct targeted operations on distracted driving.

March has been designated by the BC Chiefs of Police and ICBC as Distracted Driving Awareness and Enforcement Month. According to ICBC data, distracted driving is the second leading cause of collisions involving fatalities in BC, and is a contributing factor in 38% of all police-reported crashes in the province.

Fines for distracted driving range from $368 for first-time offenders and 4 demerit points, to as much as $2,000 in financial penalties for repeat offenders, in addition to their regular insurance premiums.

We respond to numerous collisions where the cause of the crash was due to the driver being distracted. Last year, we issued 1378 violation tickets to drivers observed using an electronic device, says Sergeant Eric Baskette, Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit, Unfortunately, our officers know all too well the tragic consequences that can occur when someone is not following the rules of the road which is why we are passionate about conducting these targeted operations.

Important rules to know:

• Don’t use your cell phone at a red light. The law applies even when you’ve stopped at a red light or in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
• Keep your hands free. Hands-free means a Bluetooth, wired headset or speaker phone that can be operated with a one touch or voice commands.
• If you have a Learner’s (L) or Novice (N) licence, you are not allowed to use any electronic devices (like phone or GPS) behind the wheel, for any purpose, even in hands-free mode.

Knowing and understanding the laws associated to the use of electronic devices while driving is the responsibility of every driver. Richmond RCMP recommends familiarizing yourself with the rules of the road before you go. Working together we can make the roadways in Richmond safer for all road users.

Released by:

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp.ca

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