Distracted Driving

Reducing fatalities and serious injuries from Distracted Driving is one of the top priorities for the BC RCMP Traffic Services.

Preliminary statistics for 2014 indicate:

• 30% of Motor Vehicle fatalities involved distracted driving
• 37% of motor vehicle serious injuries involved distracted driving.

The Distracted Drivers Program is an educational awareness program, wherein volunteers will monitor predetermined locations for driver infractions. Infractions include using a cell phone while driving. Volunteers only observe, record and report their findings. Description of vehicle, plate number, location, date and time are recorded and the registered owner of the vehicle is sent a warning letter.

The objective of this program is not to catch drivers but to remind them to correct their driving habits.

Effective June 1, 2016 the fine for distracted driving is now $368.00 with four penalty points.  On a first infraction, this will result in a driver paying a further $175 ICBC Driver Penalty Point premium, for a total of $543 for a first infraction.

Before you drive:

• Know your route before you start driving. Pre-program your GPS or have your route memorized.
• Allow plenty of time to reach your destination. If you are not in a rush, you are less likely to be distracted by the time or the pressure to arrive.
• Pre-set seats, mirrors, climate control and radio stations.
• Secure loose objects so they do not roll around the vehicle becoming a distraction, nor will you be tempted to reach for them while driving.
• Prepare children with everything they need such as giving them large items, not small items, to play with.
• Secure pets properly in the backseat. If they are moving around the vehicle, they can easily become a distraction or a physical barrier to the driver’s line of vision and ability to maneuver the vehicle.
• Turn off the alerts on your phone, so you are not tempted to check a text or an e-mail.
• While driving:
• Allow phone calls to go directly to voicemail.
• Wait until you are out of your vehicle to safely check texts and e-mails. Eat your breakfast at home. Eating in the car is a big distraction.
• Personal grooming takes your eyes off the road and is not a safe activity for drivers.