are supporting ICBC with seeking distracted drivers this month- Leave your phone alone."Įvery year, on average, 25 people are killed in distracted driving-related crashes in the Lower Mainland.Įvery year, on average, nine people are killed in distracted driving-related crashes on Vancouver Island.Įvery year, on average, 29 people are killed in distracted driving-related crashes in the Southern Interior.Įvery year, on average, 14 people are killed in distracted driving-related crashes in the North Central region. Drivers must prioritize safety over convenience when driving. “There are no excuses for distracted driving, and there is no reason to check your phone, that outweighs the safety and well-being of your fellow British Columbians. “Any loss of life due to distracted-driving related crashes is unacceptable,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. ICBC and police conduct two distracted driving education and enhanced enforcement campaigns every year – investing in road safety to help create safer roads for a safer B.C. It's important to be aware of what's going on around you at all times, even when stopped at a light or in heavy traffic. In fact, any activity that reduces your ability to focus on the road or control your vehicle puts yourself and other road users' safety at risk.ĭrivers can do their part by avoiding distractions and encouraging others to do the same. Using electronic devices, like smart phones, is one of the most common and riskiest forms of distracted driving and increases your crash risk by five times. Please focus on the road when driving and save lives." “One quick peek at your cell phone or electronic device distraction could be the difference between life and death. Almost 80 lives are lost each year due to senseless distracted driving crashes, in addition to the many life-altering injuries. “These police and community efforts are necessary as distracted driving continues to be one of the most dangerous driving behaviours impacting road safety in B.C. as part of our fall distracted driving campaign,” said Chief Constable Neil Dubord, Chair of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee. “To ensure that we're keeping our roadways safe for everyone, education and enforcement activities begin today throughout B.C. Police across the province are ramping up distracted driving enforcement, and community volunteers are conducting Cell Watch deployments to remind drivers to keep their eyes on the road. ICBC and police are launching a month-long campaign urging drivers to leave their phone alone while driving. This is despite 73 per cent of respondents who think it's likely they could be caught by police if holding or handling an electronic device while driving.ĭistracted driving is a serious concern in B.C., accounting for more than one in four fatal crashes and claiming the lives of 76 British Columbians each year.** Of those surveyed, 43 per cent of drivers admit to using their phone at least once out of every 10 trips – up from 33 per cent in 2019.* drivers are using their phones to talk or text while they're behind the wheel. A new Ipsos survey reveals that more B.C.
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