Surrey RCMP’s Traffic Services, ICBC, and the Surrey Crime Prevention Society are participating in a distracted driving enforcement and education campaign.
This province-wide campaign is designed to improve road safety and drive home the facts that distracted driving is dangerous and you are high five times more likely to crash if you’re using your phone.
Officers will be conducting enforcement activities throughout the month issuing violation tickets to those who are caught holding an electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.
Think we can’t see you checking that text message? We’re scoping for distracted drivers. #eyefwdBC pic.twitter.com/VPFzNS7rZU
— Surrey RCMP (@SurreyRCMP) March 10, 2016
As part of the campaign, drivers will also see a large number of Operation Hang-Up signs placed in strategic locations reminding them to stay off the phone. Volunteers will be educating drivers while officers will be using high power spotting scopes to observe drivers using electronic devices at great distances.
A driver caught holding an electronic device can be fined $167 and receive 3 points against their driver’s licence. If you cause an accident due to distracted driving the penalties can be more severe.
One in four deaths on BC roads involves distracted driving, says Surrey RCMP Cpl. Schumann. If you have to take a call, pull over if it’s safe to do so or use your phone in hands-free mode. Stay focused on the road and keep the conversation brief and calm.
Coming to a neighbourhood near you this week: Operation Hang Up @icbc @PreventCrimes #LeaveThePhoneAlone pic.twitter.com/vAebIGcdXt
— Surrey RCMP (@SurreyRCMP) March 16, 2016
It’s time we all commit to leaving our phones alone and avoiding other forms of distraction when we’re behind the wheel, says Karen Klein, local ICBC Road Safety Coordinator. No call or text is so important that it’s worth risking your life.
