MONCTON, N.B. – New Brunswick RCMP say increased efforts to catch distracted drivers are paying off.
“So far 594 tickets have been issued in New Brunswick,” said Staff Sgt. Andre Pepin.
They are hoping to surpass the 763 tickets issued in 2013.
Sgt. Pepin said officers disguising themselves as construction workers and even Santa Claus have been an effective law enforcement tool.
“Not being in uniform it’s a lot easier to spot them and the member can call us on radio and we have members with police vehicles down the road who can stop them,” he said.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada says driver distraction is a big problem.
The Bureau says it’s a factor in eight of 10 car crashes in North America each year. The fine for distracted driving in New Brunswick is $172.50.
In Nova Scotia, the fine for the same offence is a little higher at $176.45, but that will sky-rocket in February. The province is planning to boost the fine to $233.95.
Drivers who have almost been hit by vehicles say bigger penalties are needed to make a difference.
Melinda Callaghan says she was almost hit by a distracted driver while crossing the street.
“This lady just zipped right through,” Callaghan said. “She nearly just a fraction of an inch missed me.”
She says people who get caught should also lose their phones.
“I don’t know if higher fines would do,” she said. “I think they need to have their phones removed if that’s possible or shut off for a certain amount of time.”
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