Stuck in traffic? Feeling the urge to check Facebook before the light turns green? Don’t – you just might end up with a $167 fine from New Westminster police.
For the whole month of February, police across the province will be out in full force issuing tickets to drivers using electronic devices while driving, according to a media release from the New Westminster Police Department.
“Driving is a dangerous enough activity in itself without having any added distractions,” said Chief Const. Dave Jones. “Ninety-one people on average are killed each year in BC as a result of driver distractions. Our goal is to change driver attitudes and behaviours and as a result, save lives.”
The annual enforcement campaign, organized by ICBC, aims to remind drivers of the risks involved in using electronic devices, such as cellphones, while driving. According to ICBC, distracted driving causes nearly 91 deaths each year, and 27 per cent of fatal collisions are the result of the dangerous habit.
In partnership with police departments across the province, officers from the New Westminster Police Department’s traffic unit will be cracking down on drivers using electronic devices throughout February. If caught, drivers face a $167 fine and three driver penalty points.
For more information, visit ICBC’s webpage on distracted driving at www.icbc.com/road-safety/safer-drivers/distractions.
