Distracted driving is a major concern for PG RCMP

The Prince George RCMP is doing their part to try and reduce the number of distracted driving deaths in our city.

The Traffic Services Section has been conducting an enforcement campaign since the start of February. The month long campaign was scheduled to start on March 1st, however, Distracted Driving is such a concern in the Prince George area they decided to start a month earlier.

“Many people still choose to use their phone while driving in our community” says Sgt. Matt LaBelle, of the Prince George RCMP’s Traffic Services Section. “Our hope is that drivers do the right thing and leave the phone alone.”

During February the following tickets were handed out:

• 46 tickets for using a cell phone while driving
• 5 tickets for Driving while the View or Vehicle Controls are Obstructed (this includes pets on laps & cargo blocking the front window);
• 56 tickets for Failing to Wear a Seatbelt;
• 34 tickets for intersection related violations;
• 4 tickets for Driving without Due Care and Attention.

Four people were also charged with Driving while Prohibited, which resulted in a court date and the vehicle they were driving being seized for a minimum of seven days.

“This is definitely higher than normal,” added LeBelle. “We were also targeting cellphone use and seatbelt use, so, we were expecting higher numbers, but not this high.”

Each distracted driving violation is $543 for first time offenders, the total cost rises to $888 for a second offence.

If drivers need to make a phone call or check messages, they are advised to use a hands-free device or park their vehicle in a safe place off the road, when it is safe to do so. A safe place does not include the shoulder of a highway.

This enforcement campaign will continue through the month of March.