Annual distracted driving and seatbelt use campaign kicks off on B.C. highways this September

Police are urging drivers to put phones down and seatbelts up when travelling across B.C. this coming month.

BC Highway Patrol’s annual Distracted Drivers and Occupant Restraint Campaign returns in September to proactively mitigate dangerous driving behaviours before they could turn deadly.

“Everybody should know by now that it’s illegal to handle your cell phone behind the wheel, and that you need to wear a seatbelt while a vehicle is driving,” said Superintendent Lori Orstad with BC Highway Patrol. 

“But people are creating exceptions for themselves, and that’s why we have to educate through enforcement.”

BCHP say failing to use a seatbelt can turn a routine collision fatal, while distracted driving is “consistently” one of the top three causes of death on the road alongside speeding and impairment.

“Seatbelts are completely free, cost only a couple of seconds to use, and could save your life and the lives of your loved ones,” Supt. Orstad added. 

“And if you handle your phone, even at a stoplight, that’s distracted driving. You are permitted only one screen touch to activate or stop a call.”

Last year, 116 drivers were caught using electronic devices while driving in the Kootenays, including Cranbrook, Golden and Revelstoke. Another 58 were penalized for failing to wear a seatbelt and for other occupant restraint offences.