Drivers across the BC Interior raked in the highest number of tickets during a September enforcement campaign that targeted distracted drivers and people not wearing seatbelts.
The BC Highway Patrol said the goal of the enforcement campaign was to bolster public safety and a total of 1,190 tickets were issued.
“It’s simple. If we can get less people to drive while distracted, and more people to wear their seatbelts, then we will save more lives,” said Superintendent Mike Coyle.
A total of 285 drivers were issued tickets for using an electronic device while driving in the Interior, which includes Merritt, Kelowna, Kamloops.
Another 162 people were issued a fine for not wearing seat belts.
Tickets for using an electronic device behind the wheel are upwards to $368 while fines for not wearing a seatbelt are around $167.
The South Coast, which includes Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, came in second with 212 tickets for using an electronic device and 86 tickets for failure to wear a seatbelt.
The Kootenays saw the third highest number of tickets for using an electronic device while driving (116) but the lowest number of tickets for not wearing a seatbelt (58).
Over on Vancouver Island, the BCHP handed out 76 tickets for electronic device use and 79 for no seatbelts.
In Northern BC, 45 drivers were fined for using an electronic device and another 71 were fined for no seatbelts.
“As we move into the Halloween season, and the days get shorter, it’s even more important that you eliminate distractions behind the wheel,” said Supt. Coyle.
“Pedestrians are hard to see in the darkness and rain of fall. You need all of your attention to keep yourself, your loved ones, and the people in your neighbourhood safe on the roads.”
