Some people in Northern BC still have a problem when it comes to distracted driving, according to the RCMP.
During the month of March, BC Highway Patrol issued 153 tickets to drivers in Northern BC who were using electronic devices.
For years police have been warning about the dangers of using cellphones behind the wheel, but it seems the message isn’t getting through to everyone.
It’s not just cellphones, during the same period Mounties issued 61 tickets for people not wearing a seatbelt. “We have a problem with using our phones while driving; we also have a long way to go towards using seatbelts and car seats properly,” said Superintendent Mike Coyle
With the summer driving season around the corner, Mounties are reminding motorists to pay attention and buckle up.
A ticket for using an electronic device while driving carries a $368 fine, while not wearing a seat belt could cost you $167.
Across the province in March, BC Highway Patrol wrote almost 2,800 tickets for distracted driving.
“These numbers prove two things: one, we need to do better. Two, everyone in BC is paying the consequences of collisions that come from high-risk driving behaviours,” said Superintendent Coyle.