By Tanya Cronin

Distracted driving traffic blitz targets Kamloops drivers

Apr 18, 2018 | 4:39 PM

KAMLOOPS — The fines and consequences might be a lot harsher, but Kamloops drivers still aren’t getting the message and continue to pick up their cell phones, while behind the wheel. 

Members of the Integrated Road Safety Unit and Southeast District Traffic Services, were out in force this afternoon near the intersection of Columbia Street and Summit Drive. The blitz was focused on nabbing distracted drivers and people not wearing seat-belts.

“We do these operations routinely, and we never fail to find people using electronic devices while they’re driving, we’re somewhere in the range of 20 in the last hour and a half, the majority of those are for using an electronic device,” says Cst. Gord Sauer, Integrated Road Safety Unit.

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in BC. The penalty for a first offense is $368 plus four demerit points – bringing the total to $543.

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“People are continuing to use electronic devices and be distracted on the road even thought the penalties are so steep, we’re trying to create better behaviour and actions in drivers, unfortunately we have to do that by issuing violation tickets and that’s what we’re doing here today,” says Cst. Sauer.