Traffic safety – reducing fatalities and serious injuries – is the number one priority of the RCMP traffic services in BC.

Preliminary statistics for 2012 indicate distracted driving was a contributing factor in:

30% of Motor Vehicle fatalities involved distracted driving
37% of Motor Vehicle serious injuries involved distracted driving

Since the implementation of legislation banning the use of handheld devices in January of 2010, police in British Columbia issued 63,348 violation tickets for use of handheld electronic devices.

Driving is a complex task that requires your full attention. You are four times more likely to crash when talking on a handheld mobile phone while driving, and 23 times more likely to get in a crash if you text while driving.

In the month of February police across B.C. will be targeting drivers who operate vehicles while using a handheld device.  The fine is $167.00. 

Graduated License Program drivers (L and N drivers) are not permitted the use of any electronic devices, including hands free devices.

Due to the increased danger, drivers who are observed to contravene other rules of the road while using a handheld device may be charged with Driving without Due Care and Attention.  Offences that put others at risk, include speeding, unsafe lane changes, following too close and fail to obey traffic control devices.  The fine for Driving without Due Care and Attention under the Motor Vehicle Act is $ 368.00. 

Police are not required to prove that a call was in progress. 

Targeted enforcement will be part of daily enforcement activity throughout the month of February.

Sgt. Scott with the West Pacific Region Traffic Services would like to remind drivers that ‚Äúa hands free device is not holding a cell phone in your hand on speaker phone.  A hands free device is a device that is mounted to your vehicle or secured on your person and is operated by one touch‚Äù.  At the end of the day we want everyone to arrive home safely, if your call is that important, please pull over. 

Sgt. P. Scott

NCO i/c West Pacific Region

Traffic Services