West Shore RCMP are calling a recent crackdown on distracted driving “a disappointing success” after issuing 30 tickets in three and a half hours.
Mounties said the campaign was widely advertised, with drivers warned in advance via local media that officers would be posted on Veterans Memorial Parkway.
“No distracted driving” signs were also posted along the parkway and on highway digital billboards nearby.
Drivers would have passed numerous signs warning them against distracted driving before being pulled over by police, said Const. Sean Van Londersele of West Shore RCMP’s traffic unit.
“We were disappointed in the high number of tickets we issued for distracted driving. We had hoped the number would have been much less.”
Use of an electronic device while driving can result in a $368 ticket and four points against the driver’s licence, with potentially stricter penalties for new drivers with an L or N designation.
Aside from the 30 tickets for distracted driving, police issued 18 written warnings for distracted driving, six tickets for other driving offences and three warnings for other driving offences.
Distracted driving has surpassed impaired driving as the leading cause of death on the road, and is the top reason why pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are injured or killed, said Colleen Woodger, ICBC road safety co-ordinator, in a video released by West Shore RCMP.
