BC Highway Patrol says that distracted driving has become such a problem in B.C. that it’s now at least as deadly as driving while impaired, based on ICBC crash data collected between 2014 and 2023.
"That’s why in the month of March, BC Highway Patrol is focusing on education through enforcement regarding the double dangers of driving while distracted and failing to wear your seatbelt," reads a news release.
BC Highway Patrol—which is an arm of the RCMP with 455 members who provide traffic law enforcement and public education—has an office out of Squamish.
Local officers here will be part of the provincial campaign, a spokesperson for the department confirmed to The Squamish Chief.
"Distracted driving, along with speeding and impaired driving, is consistently one of the top three contributors to fatal crashes in B.C., said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol, in the release.
"We often hear drivers ask for a warning. Distracted driving is so risky that your warning will be a violation ticket. The real consequences would be to get hurt or worse."
Every ticket for distracted driving includes a fine of $368 and four driver penalty points.
Tips to avoid being distracted
ICBC provides the following tips to avoid being a distracted driver.
- Turn off your phone or notifications. Consider turning on “silent mode” or “do not disturb” when you first get into the car.
- Keep your phone out of sight and out of mind. Put it in a closed glove box or centre console before you start driving.
- Know where to go before you drive. Program your GPS before you start driving and pull over if you need to update directions.
- Driving will always require your full attention, so set yourself up for zero distractions before you start driving.
- Set realistic travel times and be mindful of rush hours and delays.
Seatbelts save lives
An average of 53 people die every year in this province because they were not wearing seatbelts properly, the release states.
"The evidence is clear: If you do not wear your seatbelt, a totally survivable collision will often become fatal," said McLaughlin, in the release. "And while securing your child with a car seat requires a little planning, your child’s life is worth it."
Wearing a seatbelt has been mandatory since 1977.
According to the Motor Vehicle Act, seatbelts must be worn with the shoulder belt across the chest—not under the arm—and the lap belt has to go across the pelvic bones.
According to ICBC, without a seatbelt, "a 150-pound adult will collide with other occupants, strike the inside of the vehicle or get thrown from the car with the same force as the weight of a 3.5-ton truck."
Being caught without a proper seatbelt will cost you a $167 fine.
If you're caught driving a vehicle with more passengers than seatbelts, you'll be given a $311 ticket.
Children under nine years old must be in an appropriate car seat or booster seat, depending on their age and size.
For more information, go to the ICBC website.
