Despite plenty of warning from police, Greater Victoria drivers are persisting in using electronic devices behind the wheel.
In 90 minutes, Saanich police along a seven-kilometre stretch of Douglas Street and the Trans-Canada Highway issued 50 tickets of $167 each to drivers using cellphones and other devices.
Tickets were also issued for nine cases of failure to wear a seatbelt, two intersection offences and eight other miscellaneous offences, and one prohibited driver was taken off the road.
Eleven Saanich officers were joined by six members of the capital region’s Integrated Road Safety Unit.
“Sadly, no surprises at all,” said Saanich police Sgt. Steve Eassie. “With the number of people that we get reported daily and just what our officers are seeing out there, it’s a problem and we recognize it’s a problem. That’s why we’re focusing on it.”
Victoria police were also out in force this week, handing out 23 tickets for using electronic devices and other forms of distracted driving during a single morning. Victoria officers, helped by volunteers, also issued 22 warnings.
Statistics from the Insurance Corporation of B.C. show that drivers holding electronic devices are four times more likely to be involved in a collision. Drivers are 23 times more likely to have a collision if they are texting.
Both Saanich and Victoria police are involved in month-long distracted driving campaigns in association with ICBC and the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police.
