March has been designated Driving/Occupant Restraint Awareness Month in the province and across the Northwest motorists can expect to find check stops, warning letters and tickets as part of the education program on keeping your eyes on the road and away from the distractions.
This weekend marks the start of spring break in the north and that means families travelling to hockey tournaments, dance recitals, and just road tripping to other areas in the province. Every driver out there owes it to each other to help keep those roadways safe. Make sure you and your passengers are buckled up, and your eyes are on the road and your hands are on the wheel." -- Cst. Crystal Evelyn, Community Liaison, Terrace RCMP
The Mounties note that distracted driving is responsible for more than 25 per cent of all car crashes and is the second leading cause of fatal collision in the province. Over the course of a year, an average of 78 people die in fatal motor vehicle collisions in BC due distraction or inattention to the road.
If safety isn't catching your attention, some financial numbers might.
Fines for distracted driving start at $368 with four penalty points for a minimum of $543 for the first offence. The costs go up even more for those that have repeat offences.
The scope of what now counts for distracted driving has changed as well, with the use of electronic devices just one to consider, others include; eating, drinking, personal grooming, reading, pets and the behaviour of passengers can all provide the potential for a ticket.
While most of us now buckle up as a normal routine on entering the car, the fine for not wearing a seat belt is $167.
More notes on the vigilance for distracted driving can be found from this item from the Terrace detachment of the RCMP.
For a look at the work of Emergency Responders in the Northwest see our archive page here.
To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.
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