RCMP is stepping up distracted driving enforcement. (PeachlandNews.com file photo/Dave Preston)
Contributed
The Central Okanagan Traffic Services (COTS) and Kelowna Integrated Road Safety Unit (IRSU) will be responding with enforcement to a recent concern from the community: distracted drivers.
Police will be looking for any driver behaviour that takes their attention from the road. That includes: texting while driving, talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving, putting on makeup while driving, and reading a newspaper or book while driving. Roadways are very dynamic environments with situations and circumstances that can change quickly. By taking your eyes off of the road for even a moment you increase the chance of a collision.
“There are no messages or conversations that are so important that you need to put lives at risk,” says S/Sgt Al Dengis of COTS. “If you need to make a phone call on a cell phone or check email, I suggest you use a hands free device, or pull your vehicle over.”
The fine for using an electronic device without hands-free while driving is $167. Drivers caught texting or emailing may receive 3 Driver Penalty Points (DPP) in addition to the fine.
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