Police will be watching out for distracted drivers for the start of school
Posted September 2, 2018 8:24 am.
Last Updated September 2, 2018 8:32 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
WEST VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – School zones go back into effect in a couple of days, but speeding may no longer be the biggest concern for police.
West Vancouver Police Chief Len Goerke says his staff will be out for back-to-school week to not only enforce school zone speed limits, but also to crack down on distracted driving. He says it’s a problem that’s been getting worse over the years.
“It’s as problematic as impaired driving in terms of causing injury and fatal accidents,” Goerke says. “I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that distracted driving has actually become worse.”
According to ICBC, distracted driving is the cause for an average of 78 deaths a year in B.C., making up just over a quarter of all road fatalities.
A single distracted driving ticket will cost you $368 and if it’s your first time getting caught, you’ll also be paying a $175 ICBC Driver Penalty Point premium, for a grand total of $543. Goerke says the ticket for speeding in a school zone starts at $196.
The first day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 4.
