BC Highway Patrol officers have issued over a thousand tickets across the province in September for Distracted Driving and Occupant Restraint Month, with a good portion of them in the Kootenays.
“It’s simple. If we can get less people to drive while distracted, and more people to wear their seatbelts, then we will save more lives,” said Superintendent Mike Coyle with BC Highway Patrol. “We will keep writing tickets for people who don’t obey the law, but the real goal is public safety.”
Latest figures show 116 drivers were caught using electronic devices while driving in the region, including Revelstoke, Nelson, Cranbrook and Golden.
Police also stopped another 58 for failing to wear a seatbelt, along with other occupant restraint offences.
A total of 1,190 tickets went out last month as a result of the campaign.
“As we move into the Halloween season, and the days get shorter, it’s even more important that you eliminate distractions behind the wheel,” added Superintendent Coyle.
“Pedestrians are hard to see in the darkness and rain of fall. You need all of your attention to keep yourself, your loved ones, and the people in your neighbourhood safe on the roads.”
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