RCMP have made it extremely clear they are cracking down on distracted driving.
However, the message still seems to be lost on many drivers in B.C.
Last weekend, South Okanagan RCMP handed out 54 cellphone violations while using a bus to spot distracted drivers.
On Tuesday, RCMP in North Vancouver announced they handed out 74 tickets to distracted drivers, all in just two hours.
You were given a sign, in fact several. Despite advance public notice of #DistractedDriving enforcement with @nvanrcmp & #IRSU on approaches to Lions Gate Bridge this aft we're till finding several drivers not getting the message. #LeaveThePhoneAlone pic.twitter.com/IquqQv3bng
— West Vancouver PD (@WestVanPolice) March 6, 2018
The staggering number of tickets is even more concerning considering RCMP had warned drivers with multiple signs.
"The use of personal electronic devices while driving has been banned in BC since January 01, 2010," said Cpl. Richard De Jong of the North Vancouver RCMP.
"It is evident there is still more education and enforcement needed to make our roads safer!"
Starting Mar. 1, drivers with two convictions for using an electronic device while driving within 3 years will pay as much as $2,000 in penalties on top of their insurance premium. #EyesFwdBC https://t.co/Ciu0KAGfBN pic.twitter.com/75TTMC867X
— ICBC (@icbc) March 2, 2018
Under ICBC's new rules, drivers with two convictions for the use of electronic devices while driving over a three year period will now face added and higher premiums.
They could pay as much as $2,000 in penalties, an increase of $740 over the previous punishment, in addition to their regular car insurance premium.
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