B.C. motorists skeptical that distracted-driving blitzes change behaviour

September means enforcement blitzes on Metro Vancouver roads with police targeting distracted driving in particular.

On Thursday, you may see Surrey Police and ICBC out in the community on an education and enforcement campaign, with splashy media and an official name — Operation Hang Up.

But more than 15 years after B.C. brought in stricter distracted driving laws banning handheld phone use in vehicles, do these campaigns actually change behaviour?

“I don’t think the law did anything, really. I still drive and text all the time,” said one driver along Broadway in Vancouver.

“I think it’s a common thing, and people are just good at hiding it. It’s definitely not smart, but I can’t lie, I obviously do it. I’ve been caught, too, and the tickets suck, but I still do it,” he told 1130 NewsRadio.

“I think it’s one of those laws that people shrug off. I see people blatantly doing it. At least I will hide it in my lap or something.”

Many others indicated that, despite enforcement and education campaigns, they see people engaged in distracting behaviours behind the wheel every day.

“The phone, doing makeup, you see it all the time. I actually saw someone eating from a bowl in bad traffic on the highway,” said another driver.

“I think being in a Tesla is distracting — they have big screens and sensors,” added another. “People who drive them seem to not pay attention to the road and trust their car too much. I like driving an older car that doesn’t scream at me whenever someone is nearby.”

Last Thursday, the Richmond RCMP took part in a single-day dangerous driving enforcement blitz, issuing 102 tickets to drivers for using an electronic device, resulting in $59,364 in fines and penalty point premiums in a matter of hours.

“In addition, Richmond RCMP community policing volunteers observed 14,262 vehicles, with 107 offences documented. Each of those registered owners will receive a warning letter by mail,” said Cpl. Adrian O’Malley.

“Increased visibility and enforcement goes a long way in deterring people from using their phones while driving,” added Sgt. Eric Baskette with the Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit.

“Distracted driving is the second leading cause of serious injury collisions in British Columbia and operations like this one, with both enforcement and education, are what truly make a difference in keeping people safe on and around our roadways.”