The numbers are unacceptable.
Thirty-seven per cent of serious motor vehicle injuries are a result of distracted driving; 30 per cent of car fatalities are a result of distraction.
Why do people continue to text or talk when it’s evident it’s highly dangerous?
Most of us have answered, not wanting to miss the call, vowing to ‘only be a second.’
I myself have done it and it’s not something I’m proud of – especially since the fix is ridiculously easy.
Perhaps we need to look at increasing fines and harsher repercussions – especially for repeat offenders.
Since the preliminary statistics released for 2012, RCMP are launching a distracted driving campaign for the month of February.
Don’t want a fine? Pay attention to the road and get yourself a hands-free device – easy peasy.
Since the implementation of legislation banning the use of handheld devices in January of 2010, police in British Columbia issued 105,972 violation tickets for use of handheld electronic devices.
“In the month of February police across B.C. will be targeting drivers who operate vehicles while using a handheld device,” Cpl. Robert McDonald of BC RCMP Traffic Services said.
“Holding a cell phone in your hand on speaker phone is an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act of using an electronic device while driving and could result in a fine of $167.
“This also applies to leaving the cell phone on your console and typing while stopped in traffic.”
It’s not rocket science to figure out yapping on your phone, or texting while navigating through traffic is an unsafe practice, but more so, it’s selfish as hell.
If the fine doesn’t deter you, think about other people on the road – is that phone call or text really worth it.