The Comox Valley RCMP wants to clamp down on distracted driving.
On March 21, the RCMP’s municipal traffic section set up an enforcement operation along Fifth Street, in downtown Courtenay.
Mounties issued 15 tickets for various violations in a two-hour period, including distracted driving, seat belt violations, open liquor in vehicles, and making illegal left turns onto Fifth Street from Cliffe Avenue.
The initiative was a part of a province-wide distracted driving enforcement initiative in British Columbia.
Throughout March, local police forces in B.C. set up enforcement operations and stepped up their tactics to nab distracted drivers.
Stiffer penalties for distracted driving also came into effect this month. ICBC’s Driver Risk Premium program started March 1 and includes convictions for motorists who continue to use electronic devices while driving.
Read More: Tougher penalties for distracted drivers in B.C.
Drivers with two convictions over a three-year period for using their phones or other electronic devices will also face higher premiums and could pay as much as $2,000 in penalties.
According to the Comox Valley RCMP, seatbelt infractions and drivers operating their vehicles with pets on their laps will be some of the detachment’s focuses in April. Similar operations will continue to be set up in various locations around the Valley.
–With files from Ragnar Haagen/Black Press