The Prince George RCMP kicked off Distracted Driving Awareness month by looking for drivers who weren’t looking at the road.
On March 3rd, the PG RCMP collaborated with BC Highway Patrol, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE), ICBC, and the Citizens on Patrol Volunteers on enforcement near the intersection of Highways 16 and 97.
Police were loaned a bucket truck from the City of Prince George to enhance their enforcement efforts.
An officer used that vantage point from behind Mr. PG to spot distracted drivers, and relayed that information to officers on the road.
“This month highlights an important factor in maintaining our road safety, which is driver attention,” said PG RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.
“When you are distracted, you react more slowly, putting yourself and those around you at risk. Distracted driving is the second leading cause of fatal crashes in B.C. and this behaviour is 100% preventable – it starts with you, the driver.”
24 violation tickets were issued for using a cell phone or electronic device while driving.
The penalty for distracted driving is $368 and four points on the drivers licence.
Police also dished out a number of tickets for other offenses as well:
- 9 violation tickets for driver not wearing a seat belt
- 3 violation tickets for too much front window tint
- 15 notice and order tickets for noted defects on the vehicle, including three on commercial vehicles.
Officers will continue to watch for distracted driving behaviours during the month of March.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
