While B.C. police are planning a major crackdown on distracted driving for the month of March, it appears drivers in the province aren’t getting the message.
The number of tickets issued has climbed every year since distracted driving laws came into effect in 2010, according to figures obtained by CTV News.
According to ICBC, 54,600 tickets were handed out in 2014 for emailing or texting while driving and using an electronic device behind the wheel – a value of $9,139,000.
That’s up 1,600 tickets from the year previous, and an increase of 7,400 from 2012.
Staff Sgt. Dale Somerville of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee, said distracted driving is especially acute for younger drivers.
“As a police officer on the streets we are seeing that new generation the younger generation not being able to give up their electronic devices,” said Somerville.
The rise in tickets handed out in B.C. has also been coupled with heftier consequences.
Last fall, three penalty points were also added for anyone getting a distracted driving ticket.
Delta North MLA Scott Hamilton told CTV News the idea of increasing the $167 fine is still on the table as well.
“If we see that things aren't changing then I’m sure the ministry of justice is going to look at it again,” he said.
With files from CTV Vancouver’s Maria Weisgarber
