SURREY, B.C. – As September begins, so does the BC Highway Patrol’s Distracted Driving and Occupants Restraint enforcement campaign.
Police across the province will be conducting distracted driving enforcement in all areas. Fatal and serious injury vehicle collisions that take place due to distracted driving can be preventable, and the BC Highway Patrol is reminding residents to “keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel.”
According to a release from the BCHP, distracted driving is responsible for more than 25 per cent of all car crash deaths and is the second leading cause of fatal collisions in the province. On average, 76 people die in fatal collisions in B.C. due to distracted driving.
Distracted driving can include more than using an electronic device, it can also be eating or drinking, personal grooming, reading, insecure pets, other passengers, and now knowing your route.
Police across British Columbia will be working together with partners in road safety, ICBC and RoadSafetyBC, to set up distracted driving enforcement for the month. Fines for distracted driving start at $368 and four penalty points and a Driver Risk Premium assessed by ICBC.
In terms of occupants’ restraints, an average of 50 people are killed every year in collisions that may have been survivable if restraints or seatbelts had been worn. The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $167.
Thanks for Reading!
Energeticcity.ca is the voice of the Peace, bringing issues that matter to the forefront with independent journalism. Our job is to share the unique values of the Peace region with the rest of B.C. and make sure those in power hear us. From your kids’ lemonade stand to natural resource projects, we cover it–but we need your support.
Give $10 a month to Energeticcity.ca today and be the reason we can cover the next story.
