Distracted driving in B.C. (ICBC)
Distracted driving is responsible for approximately one quarter of all fatal crashes in B.C. Most drivers understand that using their phone increases their risk of crashing yet many still do it. That’s why ICBC, police and the B.C. government are teaming up to launch a month-long distracted driving campaign in March.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety*, the odds of crashing increase by five times when using your phone, whether dialing, texting, reading or using social media.
Police are ramping up their enforcement of distracted driving across the province. Cell Watch volunteers will be roadside, reminding drivers to leave their phones alone. And ICBC road safety coordinators will be attending community events with a driving simulator the public can try.
You can take a stand against distracted driving and encourage others to do the same by picking up a free decal to display on your vehicle at ICBC driver licensing offices and participating Autoplan broker offices.
The campaign features radio advertising and digital advertising which will appear online as well as in restaurants and bars.
“B.C. drivers know it’s against the law, but far too many still make excuses for their behaviour, and put themselves and others at risk by using their phone while driving,” said Chief Constable Neil Dubord, Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee. “That’s why we’re cracking down on those who cannot police themselves. Even when you’re at a red light or in slow moving traffic, you’re still in control of a vehicle and the law still applies.”
Every year, on average, 15 people are killed in distracted driving-related crashes in the North Central region.