B.C. Highway Patrol pulls over 116 northern motorists for distracted driving, seat belt violations

Some drivers across Northern B.C. are still deciding to use their cell phones and fail to buckle up.

During a September-long blitz across the province, 116 drivers from our region were nabbed for committing one of the two violations according to the B.C Highway Patrol.

“It’s simple. If we can get less people to drive while distracted, and more people to wear their seatbelts, then we will save more lives,” said Superintendent Mike Coyle with BC Highway Patrol.

“We will keep writing tickets for people who don’t obey the law, but the real goal is public safety.”

Fines for people who are caught using an electronic device behind the wheel face fines of $368 while failing to wear a seatbelt will ding you $167.

Province-wide, 1190 drivers were pulled over for these offences during the blitz.

The most tickets were issued in Central B.C., which consist of Kamloops, Kelowna, Meritt and Clearwater with 447.

“As we move into the Halloween season, and the days get shorter, it’s even more important that you eliminate distractions behind the wheel,” said Superintendent Coyle.

“Pedestrians are hard to see in the darkness and rain of fall. You need all of your attention to keep yourself, your loved ones, and the people in your neighbourhood safe on the roads.”