Distracted driving responsible for 30% of motor vehicle deaths in B.C. last year

Distracted driving was at least partially behind 30% of motor vehicle related fatalities in British Columbia last year, the RCMP in the province has reported.

Preliminary statistics for 2012 also suggest that 37% of all motor vehicle related injuries involved distracted driving, the B.C. RCMP Traffic Services reported.

“In the month of February police across B.C. will be targeting drivers who operate vehicles while using a handheld device,” Cpl. Robert McDonald of B.C. RCMP Traffic Services noted. 

Holding a cell phone in your hand on speaker phone is an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act of Using an Electronic Device While Driving and could result in a fine of $167, according to the RCMP “This also applies to leaving the cell phone on your console and typing while stopped in traffic,” McDonald stated. 

The RCMP defines a hands free device as one that is mounted to your vehicle or secured on your person and is operated by one touch.

Under the province’s Graduated License Program, “L” and “N” drivers are not permitted any use of electronic devices, including hands free devices.

Drivers breaking those laws and also engaging in other unsafe behaviour (such as speeding or following too closely) can be charged with Driving without Due Care and Attention, which under the Motor Vehicle Act, carries a fine of $368.

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article reported that 30% of fatalities and 37% of injuries were caused by distracted driving. Those fatalaties and injuries involved distracted driving, but distracted driving may not have been the sole cause.