Almost all drivers in a recent survey recognized distracted driving has led to an increase in crashes and that phone use, especially texting, while driving was risky.
However, according to the recent Ipsos Reid survey, conducted for ICBC, more than one third admitted to using their phone at least one out of every ten trips.
Approximately 960 crashes occur every day in B.C., many of these caused by distracted or inattentive driving.
This month, drivers will be hearing one united message – take a break from your phone when you're behind the wheel.
Police across B.C. are ramping up distracted driving enforcement in September and community volunteers are conducting “Cell Watch” deployments to remind drivers to take a break from their phone when driving.
"The law is clear: you must leave your phone alone when operating a vehicle,” said Police Chief Neil Dubord, chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee.
“This includes when you're stopped at a light or in heavy traffic. Police will be out in full force this month reminding you to put your phone away when you're behind the wheel."
The campaign will feature new TV and radio advertising, as well as digital and social media.
Free “not while driving” decals are available at ICBC driver licensing offices and participating Autoplan broker offices for drivers to show their support and encourage other road users to follow their example.
Distracted driving is the second leading contributing factor in traffic fatalities, behind speed and ahead of impaired driving, and contributes to more than one in four deaths on B.C. roads.
