Kootenay drivers receive 232 tickets for distracted driving, seatbelt offences in September

BC Highway Patrol is urging motorists to put down their cell phones and buckle up amid rising reports of distracted driving and seatbelt violations.

“It’s easy to blame the driver next to you for their bad and unsafe decisions, but maybe it’s time to start looking in the mirror,” says Superintendent Lori Orstad with BC Highway Patrol.

“The numbers are way too high. We should be making better decisions behind the wheel or even as passengers.”

The 2026 Distracted Driver Campaign in September resulted in 149 tickets being issued in the Kootenay region, up from 116 during the same period in 2025.

September statistics for the use of electronic devices while driving. (Image Credit: BC Highway Patrol)

Police also issued 83 tickets for failure to wear a seatbelt and other occupant restraint offences, compared to 58 in September 2025.

September statistics for failure to wear a seatbelt and other occupant restraint offences. (Image Credit: BC Highway Patrol)

BC Highway Patrol says staffing levels, favourable weather and fewer serious fatal crashes requiring investigation in September 2026 may have contributed to the higher enforcement numbers, but driver behaviour was likely the main factor.

“There’s never a better time than right now to build better habits,” says Superintendent Orstad.

“Don’t start your car until you and every passenger are belted in. And put your phone out of reach before you hit the ignition. You can live without texting or using a GPS to get home from work.”

Fines for using an electronic device while driving are $368, while failure to wear a seatbelt and other occupant restraint offences result in a $167 ticket.

Enforcement includes all written feedback, including warnings and tickets. Warnings make up approximately 3 per cent of the total.