Close X
Thursday, November 14, 2024
ADVT 
National

Eyes Forward: March is Distracted Driving Month

03 Mar, 2020 07:34 PM

    Police across the province will be out in full force to crack down on distracted drivers this March, designated as distracted driving month by the BC Chiefs of Police.

     

    This is a campaign supported by the provincial government, police, and ICBC.


    Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes with pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Research has shown that distracted driving is the second leading contributing factor in car crash fatalities in BC, and on average, is the main contributing factor in approximately 76 car crash fatalities on BC roadways annually, including an average of 26 deaths every year in the Lower Mainland alone.


    While drivers normally associate distracted driving to cellphone usage and rightly so, it can also include any activity that impacts your ability to focus on the road while in control of your vehicle. This may include such behaviours as such as driving while your pet is on your lap, eating, seeking music, attending to personal grooming, or using GPSes or cellphones.


    The Richmond RCMP respond to numerous collisions where the cause of the crash was due to the driver being distracted. Last year Richmond RCMP issued 1760 violation tickets to drivers observed using an electronic device in a manner contrary to the Motor Vehicle Act while on the road, says Sergeant Nigel PRONGER, the NCO in charge of the Road Safety Unit.


    Many of these drivers were slowing or stopped in traffic, and thought that this was an acceptable time to check their phone for messages. It's not, and that text will cost you $368. Not to mention the numerous collisions the RCMP respond to where the cause of the crash was due to the driver being distracted. Know the rules, especially around use of electronic devices or you will pay the price.


    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.


    Some tips for drivers:


    Program your infotainment system in advance instead of doing it while driving;

    Find your directions before you start driving or pull over to operate your GPS;

    Stay focused on the road and resist the urge to check texts or read emails;

    Even when you are stopped at a red light or in heavy traffic, you still need to be aware of what is going on around you. You are less likely to see pedestrians, cyclists or sudden braking of vehicles ahead of you if you are distracted;

    It is important to note for drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP), that they are not allowed to use their phones at all, even hands free. This includes using GPS, maps, or streaming music.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Woman Returning From Iran Is B.C.'s Sixth Case Of New Coronavirus

    Woman Returning From Iran Is B.C.'s Sixth Case Of New Coronavirus
    A sixth case of the novel coronavirus has been diagnosed in British Columbia after a woman in her 30s returned to the province this week from travel in Iran.

    Woman Returning From Iran Is B.C.'s Sixth Case Of New Coronavirus

    Attempted Theft Of Seaplane Ends With Collision In Vancouver Harbour

    VANCOUVER - An attempt to steal a float plane in Vancouver's harbour didn't make it out of the water, but three planes were damaged in the botched theft.    

    Attempted Theft Of Seaplane Ends With Collision In Vancouver Harbour

    'I Don't Want You To Blow Up My Class,' Teacher Said In Anti-Afghan Comments

    'I Don't Want You To Blow Up My Class,' Teacher Said In Anti-Afghan Comments
    TORONTO - A six-month suspension handed to a high school teacher who told a student he didn't want any Afghans in his class was disappointing, a Muslim organization says.    

    'I Don't Want You To Blow Up My Class,' Teacher Said In Anti-Afghan Comments

    Privacy Watchdogs To Probe Clearview AI's Facial-Recognition Technology

    OTTAWA - The federal privacy watchdog and three of his provincial counterparts will jointly investigate Canadian use of facial-recognition technology supplied by U.S. firm Clearview AI.

    Privacy Watchdogs To Probe Clearview AI's Facial-Recognition Technology

    Tensions Mount As Quebec Protesters Maintain Rail Blockade Despite Injunction

    Tensions were mounting Friday as more than two dozen protesters maintained a railway blockade south of Montreal and Quebec's premier called for rapid enforcement of an injunction ordering that the site be cleared.    

    Tensions Mount As Quebec Protesters Maintain Rail Blockade Despite Injunction

    China, Iran Challenges Top Foreign-policy Priorities For Canada, Says Champagne

    China, Iran Challenges Top Foreign-policy Priorities For Canada, Says Champagne
    Canada has been able to repatriate 550 Canadians since the outbreak with the help of Japanese and Chinese officials, Champagne said in a major speech in Montreal.

    China, Iran Challenges Top Foreign-policy Priorities For Canada, Says Champagne