September is Distracted Driving month in BC

Coquitlam, Traffic Patrol

2021-08-31 08:15 PDT

View high-resolution photo: Cellular phone held in right hand of driver as police officer observes driving offence

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes with pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

On September 1, 2021, Coquitlam RCMP’s Traffic Unit will be teaming up with ICBC and other partners to support ICBC’s month-long campaign against distracted driving. Distracted driving is responsible for more than one-quarter of all car crash fatalities in British Columbia, states Constable Deanna Law, Media Relations Officer for the Coquitlam RCMP. You’re five times more likely to crash if you’re on your phone and this is why police in Coquitlam and around the province are cracking down on distracted drivers.

Distracted driving is preventable. Make sure to:

• leave your phone alone and minimize potential distractions before you head out on the road.
• plan your route and secure your pets.
• keep your eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel.
• Under the Motor Vehicle Act, drivers cannot:
  
• send or read text messages or e-mails
• make or receive calls unless using hands-free device
• hold or operate any electronic device
• operate hand-held OR hands-free cellphones if a learner or novice driver (in GLP)

What is an "electronic device"

• cell phones, Blackberry, and other hand-held devices that have telephone capabilities and on which you can send text messages or emails
• iPods and other music players
• GPS systems
• hand microphones
• televisions
• other handheld electronic devices

Distracted driving penalties come with significant fines, penalty points and possible driving prohibitions for repeat offenders:

• using electronic device while driving- $368 and 4 points,
• emailing/texting while driving- $368 and 4 points,
• using an electronic device while driving in violation of driver’s license restriction- $368 and 4 points,
• email/text while driving in violation of driver’s license restriction- $368 and 4 points.

For more information and tips for preventing distracted driving, we invite you to visit us online at bcrcmp or ICBC.

Released by:
Cst. Deanna Law
Media Relations Officer
Coquitlam RCMP
604-945-1580

Released by

Coquitlam RCMP Media Relations

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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