Close X
Thursday, October 31, 2024
ADVT 
National

March is Distracted Driving & Occupant Restraint Month for BC Police

28 Feb, 2020 09:16 PM

    March is Distracted Driving/Occupant Restraint Awareness Month and police across the Province will be conducting intensified distracted driving enforcement in your area. Fatal and serious injury motor vehicle collisions due to distracted driving are completely preventable and BC RCMP Traffic Services is reminding drivers to keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel.


    Lego car with driver holding phone, Lego RCMP officer standing by car


    Distracted driving is responsible for more than 25% of all car crash fatalities and is the second leading cause of fatal collisions in BC. Every year, an average of 76 people die in fatal motor vehicle collisions in BC because the driver was distracted or not paying attention.


    Distracted driving is more than just using an electronic device but also includes other distractions such as personal grooming, eating/drinking, reading, pets, other passengers and not knowing your route. Doing any of these things while driving may cause your trip to end in tragedy.


    It all starts with you, says Supt. Holly Turton, Officer in Charge of BC RCMP Traffic Services. Ask yourself if it is worth your life or someone else’s to answer a call, check your email or send that text while you are driving. Please make the right choice when you drive – ignore your phone and drive responsibly – your life may depend on it – and others are depending on you to get to your destination safely.


    Police across the Province are stepping up distracted driving enforcement. The fines for distracted driving (using electronic device = 4 points or driving without due care = 6 points) start at $368 and 4 penalty points for a minimum of $620 for the first offence, and the costs increase with each subsequent offence. In addition, your insurance costs may be affected.


    And, while seatbelt compliance is generally quite high in BC, on average, 52 people are killed every year in collisions that may have been survivable had restraints been worn.


    Occupant restraints refers to all occupants of your vehicle, including children who are required to be secured in approved infant or child seats, appropriate to age and height. Police recommend that you always buckle up even if you are going short distances – seatbelts and airbags work together to protect you and the occupants of your car. The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $167.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    MISSING: Richmond RCMP Request Public's Help Locating 16-Year-Old JATINDER SINGH

    Richmond RCMP is requesting the public's assistance in locating a missing Richmond resident. 

    MISSING: Richmond RCMP Request Public's Help Locating 16-Year-Old JATINDER SINGH

    Over 3,000 Tonne Gold Mine Found in UP's Sonbhadra, 5 Times That of India's Reserves

    According to current prices, the value of this amount of gold could be around Rs 12 lakh crore. Sonbhadra is counted among the most backward districts of the country.

    Over 3,000 Tonne Gold Mine Found in UP's Sonbhadra, 5 Times That of India's Reserves

    Vancouver Police Crack Down On Property Crime, Arrest 26 Suspects In Three Months

    An ongoing Vancouver Police project targeting property crime in downtown Vancouver has resulted in 150 criminal charges recommended to Crown counsel over three months.

    Vancouver Police Crack Down On Property Crime, Arrest 26 Suspects In Three Months

    Day Of Weird News | Granpa Fights Off Robber With Killer Moves | Human Brain Mailed In Jar To USA

    Human Brain Mailed From Toronto In Canada Post Shipment To Wisconsin Seized At U.S. Border

    Day Of Weird News | Granpa Fights Off Robber With Killer Moves | Human Brain Mailed In Jar To USA

    Canadians From Coronavirus-Stricken Cruise Ship In Japan To Fly Home Thursday: Champagne

    Canadians who have spent weeks on a coronavirus-stricken cruise ship in Japan will board a government-chartered plane to take them home Thursday evening, the foreign affairs minister says.

    Canadians From Coronavirus-Stricken Cruise Ship In Japan To Fly Home Thursday: Champagne

    Judge Extends Order Suspending Legal Proceedings Against Three Tobacco Companies

    Judge Extends Order Suspending Legal Proceedings Against Three Tobacco Companies
    TORONTO - An Ontario court has extended an order suspending legal proceedings against three major tobacco companies as they try to negotiate a settlement with their creditors.    

    Judge Extends Order Suspending Legal Proceedings Against Three Tobacco Companies