ICBC and police around the province are cracking down on distracted driving this month.
In the first five days of March, Saanich, officers issued 16 tickets.
16 tickets for Distracted Driving have been written by our traffic division this month. We’re only 5 days in. @ICBC and Saanich Police are reminding drivers to put the device down! #EyesFwdBC. March is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, for more info: https://t.co/aoye0X0V2w pic.twitter.com/sUqnRlrOLv
— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) March 5, 2024
Oak Bay police issued six phone-related tickets in an hour at the intersection of Oak Bay Avenue and Foul Bay Road on March 5.
The month-long campaign aims to combat distracted driving with police amping up enforcement.
READ ALSO: Driver guilty in Saanich crash that left 11-year-old with catastrophic brain injuries
Anything that draws attention from driving is deemed distracted driving – even when stopped. According to ICBC statistics, drivers using a hand-held phone are 3.6 times more likely to crash. The law applies even when stopped at a red light or in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Alongside the danger aspect, each ticket issued for distracted driving includes a fine of $368 and four driver penalty points. Drivers with four or more points on their driving record at the end of a 12-month period pays a driver penalty point premium.
One of our OBPD Officers spent one hour at Oak Bay Ave and Foul Bay Rd. this afternoon. 6 cellphone tickets issued in less than 60 minutes. $368.00 fine. pic.twitter.com/vs8K66JfqR
— Oak Bay Police (@OakBayPolice) March 6, 2024
According to ICBC, hands-free means a Bluetooth, wired headset or speakerphone that can be operated with one touch or voice commands. Anyone with a learner’s or novice liccence cannot use electronic devices, even hands-free.
READ ALSO: What exactly counts as distracted driving in B.C.?
