September is Distracted Driving / Occupant Restraint Month for BC Police

PRINCE GEORGE- Every March and September, police across the province participate in the Distracted Driving and Occupant Restraint enforcement campaign. This September is no different.

Fatal and serious injury motor vehicle collisions due to distracted driving are completely preventable and BC Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to “keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel.”

According to provincial data, distracted driving is responsible for more than 25% of all car crash fatalities and is the second leading cause of fatal collisions in BC. Every year, an average of 76 people die in fatal motor vehicle collisions in BC, because the driver was distracted or not paying attention.

The fines for distracted driving start at $368 and 4 penalty points, plus a Driver Risk Premium assessed by ICBC. In addition, vehicle insurance costs may be affected and too many points assessed against one’s licence may result in a prohibition from driving.