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Kelowna  

Catching distracted drivers

Madison Erhardt

March marks distracted driving month, and Kelowna RCMP were out in full force Wednesday, cracking down on motorists who continue to break the law.

Police say drivers are still not getting the message that they’re five times more likely to crash if they’re using a handheld phone.

“Our traffic enforcement officers have even taken to the busy streets of Kelowna in plain clothes as spotters, using unsuspecting vehicles to pull alongside other motorists. A uniformed enforcement officer in the area would then be called in to conduct the traffic stop with that motorist,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

Police have already handed out nearly 300 violation tickets to distracted drivers just this month. 

Drivers who are caught distracted driving face a ticket of $368 and four demerit points. 

“We want the motoring public to remain focused on their surroundings at all times, especially when stopped in traffic, and wonder whether or not the man or woman in the vehicle beside them could be a traffic cop searching for distracted drivers,” said Sgt. Mark Booth.

For more information on distracted driving, check the road safety section of the ICBC website.



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