KELOWNA — Police officers in Kelowna handed out 102 driving tickets in a road safety blitz last Friday. RCMP say nearly half of the fines were given to distracted drivers.
Mounties were dressed in plain clothes, observing motorists over a seven-hour period along Lakeshore Road and Enterprise Way.
Police say 50 drivers were ticketed for using their cell phones.
“Anytime a driver uses a handheld device while driving, it takes their attention away from the road around them,” says Cst. Jesse O’Donaghey.
“Roadways are very dynamic environments with situations and circumstances that can change quickly. By taking your eyes off of the road for even a moment, you increase the chance of a collision.”
O’Donaghey says there are common myths in regards to cell phone usage:
- I can text or talk while stopped at a red light. –FALSE- The law applies even when you are stopped at a red light
- I can multi-task because I am a great driver. -FALSE- Even a great driver needs to have their full attention focussed on driving. You are not in control of the environment around you
- Everyone can use a wireless Bluetooth device. -FALSE- If you are a class 7 new driver you are not permitted to use any sort of electronic device
- I can hold my electronic device in my hand. -FALSE- Simply holding the electronic device in your hand is considered an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act
The fine for using a cell phone without a hands-free device while driving is $167.
Drivers caught dialing, texting or emailing may receive 3 Driver Penalty Points (DPP) in addition to the fine.
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