RCMP watch and photograph distracted drivers from a civilian shuttle bus. They were looking for drivers using cellphones and other distracting devices. (RCMP photo)

Those using their phones while driving were the target of RCMP in the South Okanagan this weekend, as part of a dedicated distracted driving enforcement campaign.

Members of the RCMP South Okanagan Traffic Services unit (based out of Keremeos) used a mix of overt and covert enforcement techniques to catch drivers using cellphones while behind the wheel. A team of officers utilizing unmarked and marked police vehicles were deployed throughout the South Okanagan this weekend.

In the Penticton area alone, over 200 enforcement actions were taken which included 94 seatbelt violations and 54 cellphone violations.

Using an electronic device while driving carries of fine of $368 along with additional penalties from ICBC. Failing to wear a seatbelt carries a fine of $167.

One technique used included repurposing a civilian shuttle bus as a mobile surveillance vehicle, said Cpl Ryan McLeod, South Okanagan Traffic Services.

“Officers rode onboard and spotted/photographed violators while calling them out to nearby enforcement teams,” he said. “We also had officers in civilian clothes hanging around at intersections, spotting violators and calling in the enforcement teams.”

But enforcement teams had a hard time getting the attention of some distracted drivers.

Mcleod said that the shuttle bus informed an officer of a lady driving while chatting on her phone. However, when the officer caught up to her and turned on his lights to pull her over, she didn’t notice and kept driving.

“She continued talking on the phone for several blocks until parking in a nearby mall, completely unaware of the police officer behind her. She parked and the officer walked up to her window. She was still on the phone. It begs a question: if you can’t spot a police car behind you with its emergency lights on, what else are you missing?”

McLeod compared using an electronic device while driving to driving with eyes closed.

“We recognize that risk and we’re upping our enforcement game to counter,” he said. “Our officers are encouraged to be creative. We are devising new ways to intercept distracted drivers and encourage a change in their behaviour.”

“For those drivers who for some reason can’t resist checking their Facebook, making that call or sending that text message…it’s time to have a word with yourself. You are putting lives at risk.”

During the blitz, RCMP also impounded two vehicles for excessive speeding; took a man into custody in Penticton after stopping him for having no seatbelt and finding that he was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant; and stopped a driver in Summerland for no seatbelt who was also found to be impaired. The driver received an immediate 90-day driving prohibition and 30-day vehicle impoundment in addition to the seatbelt ticket.

A ‘rules of the road’ overview from the RCMP based on this weekend:

  • Don’t use your cellphone at a red light. The law applies whenever you’re in control of the vehicle, whether stopped at a red light or in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
  • Keep your hands off. Hands-free means a Bluetooth, wired headset or speakerphone that can be operated with one touch or voice commands. Make sure to secure the cellphone to the vehicle before driving. You cannot hold a hand-held electronic device while driving, this includes iPods and other audio devices. Many drivers also seem to think that holding a cellphone in their hand on speaker phone rather than up to their ear is acceptable. It’s absolutely not and you will be fined.
  • If you have a Learner’s (L) or Novice (N) licence, you aren’t allowed to use any electronic device behind the wheel, for any purpose, even in hands-free mode.
  • Make sure you understand the law on how to use electronic devices while driving (RoadSafetyBC)

Tips for Drivers:

  • No call, text or email is so important it’s worth risking your life or the lives of others. Let calls go to voicemail and ignore your text messages while driving.
  • Turn it off and put it out of sight or turn on airplane mode to avoid the temptation to check your phone.
  • Assign a designated texter. Ask your passengers to make or receive calls and texts for you.
  • Use the ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ feature on most handheld devices.

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