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Over the past week Kelowna RCMP have slapped more than 80 Kelowna drivers with tickets fordistracted driving.
On November 25th RCMP traffic cops set up an operation specifically targeting distracted drivers. In about four and a half hours they issued 64 fines, 46 of which went to people using an electronic device while behind the wheel.
“Our traffic enforcement officers were surprised when, within a one hour period, they issued three distracted driving violation tickets, to three different drivers each operating a company vehicle and all of whom were employed by the same Kelowna based business,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.
O’Donaghey didn't name the business.
That day, the rest of the tickets were for vehicle defects, failing to wear seat belts and not having a valid driver’s licence.
Earlier in the week, on November 22nd, RCMP also set up an operation targeting drivers on their cell phones. During that operation, O’Donaghey said officers handed out 36 tickets in less than three hours for illegally using an electronic device while driving.
“By taking your attention off of the roadway for even just a moment you greatly increase the chance of being involved in a collision,” O’Donaghey said.
The fine for using an electronic device while behind the wheel is $368.
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