File photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Ashley Legassic

DISTRACTED DRIVING

More than 70 tickets issued in Kamloops in one day for distracted driving, not wearing seatbelts

Sep 4, 2019 | 8:15 AM

KAMLOOPS — With distracted driving and occupant restraint month underway, Kamloops RCMP are calling out drivers who are failing to buckle up and put down the phone.

In a news release, Kamloops RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says officers conducted an initiative Tuesday (Sept. 3) near Summit Drive and Columbia Street West.

42 tickets were issued for using an electronic device while driving, and 31 for failing to wear a seatbelt.

“It’s always surprising to me when I see the numbers of violation tickets that are issued, both for using a cell phone and for driving without a seatbelt,” Shelkie says. “I’m not sure what needs to be done to get people to buy into being safe and not being distracted while they’re driving and to wear their seatbelts.”

Seven other tickets were issued for various traffic infractions. September is distracted driving and occupant restraint month, and Shelkie says drivers can expect to see an increased police presence on Kamloops roads throughout the month.

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Police ask motorists to drive safely and obey the directions of officers at any check-stop.

“Depending on the year — number one or number two is either distracted driving or impaired driving,” Shelkie says. “The studies have shown distracted driving is as dangerous as impaired driving, so it’s something that people really need to sit up and take notice of.”