Message from Cst. Debbie Pocock, Indigenous Police Services:

Ya’uc’ / Hello Everyone!

March is Distracted Driving awareness month and we all play a role in making our roads safe.

Distracted Driving is the leading cause of crashes and injuries. If everyone avoided distractions while driving in BC, around 78 lives could be saved every year.

When it comes to driving:

-Don’t use your cellphone at a red light. The law applies even when you are stopped at a red light or in bumper-to-bumper traffic;

-Keep your hands free. Hands-free means a Bluetooth, wired headset or speakerphone that can be operated with one touch or voice commands;

-If you have a Learner’s (L) or Novice  licence, you are not allowed to use any electronic devices (like phone or GPS) behind the wheel, for any purpose, even in hands-free mode.

Every Distracted Driving ticket includes a fine of $368 and four driver penalty points.

Plan ahead to keep your focus on the road:

-Turn off your phone or notifications. Consider turning on “silent mode” or “do not disturb” when you first get into the car.

-Keep you phone out of sight and out of mind. Put it in a closed glove box or centre console before you start driving.

-Know where to go before you drive. Program your GPS before you start driving and pull over if you need to update directions.

-Driving will always require your full attention, so set yourself up for zero distractions before you start driving.

-Set realistic travel times and be mindful of rush hours and delays.

When you’re behind the wheel, please focus on the road. Police across BC will be ramping up enforcement to help keep us all safe.

Thank you everyone for doing your part in keeping our roadways safe.