Across the Province, police will be stepping up enforcement in dealing with motorists who drive while distracted by prescribed electronic equipment such as cell phones, PDAs, GPS, etc.

Out of 104 distracted driving related Motor vehicle fatalities in 2010, 30 of them occurred in the Southeast District which includes the Kelowna area.

Operating a vehicle is challenging enough with traffic flow, time constraints, weather conditions, passengers, distracting thoughts, operating on board vehicle equipment etc. By adding the additional distractions of other electronic equipment, the task of driving can become too complex, resulting in some of the tragedies and damage we see on our roadways today.

The Central Okanagan Traffic Services will be focusing their efforts on targeting motorists who insist on performing this dangerous practice in an effort to increase road safety for all who drive on our roadways.

Those who are caught driving and using cellular phones that are not “hands free” will face a $167 fine. Those caught texting or emailing while driving face the same charge and may also receive 3 penalty points against their Driver’s Licence.  Drivers in the Graduated Licencing Program cannot use any prescribed electronic device, including “hands free” cell phones. If caught, they will receive the $167 fine and 3 penalty points.

The only exception, to any of the above circumstances, is if the motorist has pulled over and the vehicle is stopped.