Chilliwack drivers who text and drive will be targeted in the coming weeks by an RCMP traffic enforcement blitz.
In conjunction with police agencies across B.C., Chilliwack RCMP Traffic Services will be conducting the traffic enforcement blitzes as part of the provincial March Distracted Driving campaign.
Teamed with Fraser Valley Traffic Services, Chilliwack Speed Watch, and Chilliwack Cell Watch police will be watching for distracted driving at sites around the city.
“Distracted driving was responsible for nearly a quarter of all car crash fatalities in BC over the past five years, making this the second-leading cause of motor vehicle fatalities behind speeding and narrowly ahead of impaired driving,” said ICBC road and safety coo-rdinator Michael Weightman.
Some tips to prevent distracted driving:
• Leave your phone alone and minimize potential distractions before you head out on the road;
• Plan your route and secure your pets:
• Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel;
• Even the sound of an incoming email or text can be distracting; turn off your phone and put it out of reach.
“Distracted driving is preventable," Chilliwack RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mike Rail said. "Through educating the motoring public and traffic enforcement, police are working toward removing this dangerous habit from the roadways of our community.”
For more information on distracted driving laws, and tips for preventing it, visit the RCMP online or the websites of partners at Chilliwack Safer City and ICBC.
RCMP reminds everyone who witnesses anything they believe is suspicious in nature to contact the Chilliwack RCMP at 604-762-4611 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.