B.C. Highway Patrol will focus on distracted driving and seatbelt use in September as part of a provincewide enforcement campaign.
The RCMP is reminding drivers that ignoring distracted-driving and seatbelt laws puts people at risk.
“Everybody should know by now that it’s illegal to handle your cell phone behind the wheel, and that you need to wear a seatbelt while a vehicle is driving,” said Supt. Lori Orstad of B.C. Highway Patrol. “But people are creating exceptions for themselves, and that’s why we have to educate through enforcement.”
Drivers can face a $368 fine for using an electronic device while driving, a $167 fine for not wearing a seatbelt and a $109 fine for failing to properly restrain a child or infant.
“Seatbelts are completely free, cost only a couple of seconds to use, and could save your life and the lives of your loved ones,” said Orstad. “And if you handle your phone, even at a stoplight, that’s distracted driving. You are permitted only one screen touch to activate or stop a call.”
The RCMP said distracted driving is consistently one of the top three causes of death on B.C. roads, alongside speeding and impairment.
Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing cariboonews@vistaradio.ca.
