Talk, Text, Crash
The risks
Using a cellphone slows driver reaction time as much as or more than having a blood alcohol content of 80 Milligrams of Alcohol in 100 Milliliters of Blood.
Talking on a cellphone while driving increases the risk of crashing by up to four times.
Texting while driving increases a driver’s crash risk by 23 times.
New drivers are at higher risk of crashing. Young drivers are more likely to talk and text while driving, which increases their crash risk dramatically.
The law
As of January 1, 2010, new BC laws require:
• Drivers not send or read text messages or e-mails.
• Drivers not make or receive calls unless using a hands-free device.
• Drivers not hold or operate any electronic device.
• Learner and Novice drivers (those in the Graduated Licensing Program) not operate hand-held or hands-free cellphones.
A driver talking on a hand-held phone or electronic device will be subject to a fine of $167. In addition, drivers caught texting or emailing will be subject to three penalty points.
To abide by the new law, licensed drivers can use hands-free technology that is activated by a single touch to a button, or when it is safe to do so, pull over to a legal parking place and stop their vehicle before they talk or email.
New drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) are banned from all cellphone and electronic devices, including hands-free. Police, fire and ambulance personnel who may need to make calls in the performance of their duties, and motorists who need to call 9-1-1 are exempt from the legislation. The use of two-way radios for commercial or industrial vehicles will be permitted.
The point of the law is to reduce distractions and improve road safety. Drivers need to keep their hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and focus on driving.
What can you do?
Drivers – Decide not to use a cellphone or any other electronic communications device while driving (hand held or hands-free), or simply turn your cellphone off when you are driving.
Parents – Make it a condition of your teenager’s driving privileges that they will not talk or text while driving.
Be aware - If you have a bad habit of doing "quick checks", stop. The Stl'atl'imx Tribal Police will be strictly enforcing distracted driving in all of our communities.
For more statistics, videos and information about distracted driving that is applicable in British Columbia, click here.
Using a cellphone slows driver reaction time as much as or more than having a blood alcohol content of 80 Milligrams of Alcohol in 100 Milliliters of Blood.
Talking on a cellphone while driving increases the risk of crashing by up to four times.
Texting while driving increases a driver’s crash risk by 23 times.
New drivers are at higher risk of crashing. Young drivers are more likely to talk and text while driving, which increases their crash risk dramatically.
The law
As of January 1, 2010, new BC laws require:
• Drivers not send or read text messages or e-mails.
• Drivers not make or receive calls unless using a hands-free device.
• Drivers not hold or operate any electronic device.
• Learner and Novice drivers (those in the Graduated Licensing Program) not operate hand-held or hands-free cellphones.
A driver talking on a hand-held phone or electronic device will be subject to a fine of $167. In addition, drivers caught texting or emailing will be subject to three penalty points.
To abide by the new law, licensed drivers can use hands-free technology that is activated by a single touch to a button, or when it is safe to do so, pull over to a legal parking place and stop their vehicle before they talk or email.
New drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) are banned from all cellphone and electronic devices, including hands-free. Police, fire and ambulance personnel who may need to make calls in the performance of their duties, and motorists who need to call 9-1-1 are exempt from the legislation. The use of two-way radios for commercial or industrial vehicles will be permitted.
The point of the law is to reduce distractions and improve road safety. Drivers need to keep their hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and focus on driving.
What can you do?
Drivers – Decide not to use a cellphone or any other electronic communications device while driving (hand held or hands-free), or simply turn your cellphone off when you are driving.
Parents – Make it a condition of your teenager’s driving privileges that they will not talk or text while driving.
Be aware - If you have a bad habit of doing "quick checks", stop. The Stl'atl'imx Tribal Police will be strictly enforcing distracted driving in all of our communities.
For more statistics, videos and information about distracted driving that is applicable in British Columbia, click here.