RCMP reminding drivers that snacking still counts as distracted driving

Do you find yourself having to take breakfast on the road to make it to work on time?

You may want to be careful, as it seems BC RCMP is about to crack down on snacking behind the wheel.

According to the BC RCMP’s ongoing awareness campaign this month on what qualifies as distracted driving, snacking is a prime example.

#DYK you can’t eat a bowl of soup while driving? Drive without due care= $368 Fine + 6 points #TicketTuesday pic.twitter.com/TlOXWtvgOW

— BCRCMP Traffic (@BCRCMPTraffic) September 12, 2017

In a tweet posted by the BC RCMP’s Traffic Twitter account earlier today, a photo of a driver eating a bowl of instant noodle soup while operating a vehicle highlights how a driver’s judgement is compromised when they are not fully focused on the road.

While various law enforcement campaigns have mainly focused on cell phone use – texting and making calls – as the prime example of distracted driving, the RCMP’s website states other forms include reading books and maps, using a GPS, watching videos or movies, personal grooming, adjusting the radio/CD and using earphones.

Police advise that smartphones should be out of reach to reduce the temptation of using it.

A ticket for distracted driving will result in a $368 fine and 6 driver penalty points.

According to ICBC, distracted driving claims more lives on B.C. roads than impaired driving.