RCMP on Vancouver Island saw a significant increase in seatbelt and cellphone violations during an enforcement campaign in September.
“It’s easy to blame the driver next to you for their bad and unsafe decisions, but maybe it’s time to start looking in the mirror,” said Superintendent Lori Orstad of BC Highway Patrol. “The numbers are way too high. We should be making better decisions behind the wheel or even as passengers.”
Last year, RCMP issued 76 tickets or warnings for cellphone use during the distracted-driving enforcement campaign on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. This year, 214 tickets or warnings were issued.
Officers also focused on seatbelt use, issuing 79 tickets last year and 148 this September.
BC Highway Patrol said staffing levels and weather may have played a significant role in the higher volume of warnings and tickets.
“There’s never a better time than right now to build better habits,” said Orstad. “Don’t start your car until you and every passenger are belted in. And put your phone out of reach before you hit the ignition. You can live without texting or using a GPS to get home from work.”
