A recent distracted driving campaign has been described by RCMP as a disappointing success.
Police say the campaign was put together to remind drivers to stay focused while driving and to avoid distractions, with motorists being told where officers were going to be posted in advance.
The campaign, made by RCMP, ICBC, and BC Highway Patrol was advertised through radio announcements, news and the placement of no distracted driving signs at Veterans Memorial Parkway in the West Shore area.
They say the area was chosen because of the high volume of traffic in the afternoon, with officers and volunteers stationed at three locations as part of the campaign.
But despite the warnings, signs, and police presence, in 3.5 hours on July 25, officers issued 30 violation tickets for distracted driving, 18 written warnings for distracted driving, 6 violation tickets for other driving offences, and 3 warnings for other driving offences.
Constable Sean Van Londersele says drivers would have passed by multiple signs before being pulled over.
“We were disappointed in the high number of tickets we issued for distracted driving,” said Van Londersele.
“We had hoped the number would have been much less.”
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth says distracted driving needs to stop, adding that when you are caught using your phone while driving, the consequences are steep.
They say in BC, using an electronic device while driving can lead to you getting a $368 ticket and 4 penalty points against your license.
If you have an L or N license, there will be stricter penalties, including driving prohibitions.
Police say they plan on continuing similar road safety campaigns in the future.
