Distracted driving contributes to more than one-quarter of all car crash fatalities in B.C. each year, despite tougher penalties introduced in 2016 and increased education; so throughout March 2017, the police, ICBC, and the provincial government are staging a significant enforcement crackdown on drivers who continue to use their electronic devices while they’re behind the wheel.
“Distracted driving is a huge issue,” says Ingrid Brakop, an ICBC road safety and community coordinator in Kamloops. “It’s quickly crawling up the ladder [of common driving offences]. In the Southern Interior, an average of 32 people are killed each year because of distracted driving, and it’s completely preventable.”
She notes that not only is distracted driving “not a wise decision”, it can also be a costly one. A first offence will cost a driver a fine of $368 plus four penalty points ($175). A second ticket for the same offence within a year of the first one will result in a total penalty of $888, and will trigger an automatic review of the offender’s driving record, which could lead to a driving prohibition. New drivers (those with L or N plates) could face a prohibition after a first distracted driving offence.
“The law is that if you are behind the wheel of a vehicle that is in motion, any device you use must be hands-free,” says Brakop. She adds that drivers stopped at a red light can only use hands-free devices; using any other kind of device is against the law.
“When you’re behind the wheel, your focus should be on driving. There are all sorts of things happening. If you [the driver] take your eyes off the road, then who’s paying attention to what’s going on? It comes down to good decision making.”
Brakop adds that distracted driving cuts across all demographics; contrary to what many people think, it is not just something younger people do. And she notes that it will take a little while to change driver behaviour.
“If you can’t resist that distraction, then shut your phone off, or put it in airplane mode, or put it in the trunk or your purse.”
According to a recent Ipsos Reid survey conducted for ICBC, almost all drivers believe distracted driving has led to an increase in crashes; however, nearly 40 per cent admit to still using their device at least some of the time while driving.
In response, ICBC, police, and volunteers have worked together to plan more enforcement deployments across the province in March, with more than 70 police enforcement events and over 50 Cell Watch deployments with volunteers roadside this month. The aim is to give drivers the message that if they drive while distracted, they are even more likely to be caught.
“You’re five times more likely to crash if you’re using your handheld phone,” says Lindsay Matthews, ICBC’s director responsible for road safety. “More crashes and distracted driving are putting pressure on insurance rates. That’s why we’re committed to finding ways to reduce the number of crashes on our roads, but we need everyone’s help—we all need to commit to driving without distractions.”
Brakop says that it’s important for drivers who might give in to the temptation of their handheld devices while driving to consider that driving can be a real pleasure.
“It’s a great opportunity to disconnect, reflect, and breathe. Have a think break. And it’s a great opportunity to see the beautiful province we live in. Don’t let life pass you by while you’re driving.”