Behavioural research shows it takes 30 days to break a habit. If you start now to break your habit of talking or texting on your phone while driving, the 30 day countdown might save you some bucks and demerit points while you’re at it.
The RCMP have announced that this month will see a crackdown of distracted driving law enforcement.
“Don’t text your loved ones to death,” said RCMP Cpl. Robert McDonald.
“Last year, 27 per cent of collision fatalities in B.C. were caused by distracted or inattentive drivers, despite over 40,000 violation tickets being issued for use of electronic device or driving without due care and attention.”
The fine for using an electronic device without handsfree technology can net you a $167 fine, and three driver penalty points. If you’re violating distracted driving laws while breaking other motor vehicle act laws, you could face a ‘driving without due care and attention’ fine of $368.
New drivers need to remember the specific restrictions placed on their licenses.
“Drivers in the graduated licence program (GLP) are not permitted to use any electronic device, even hands-free devices,” McDonald said.
According to a survey conducted by CIBC and Telus released on Feb. 4, 2014, Canadians aged 18 to 24 years old check their phones on an average of 10.1 times per hour.
British Columbians check their phones the most often, with the average across all age groups at 8.9 times per hour.
That can mean over 100 glances at a cell phone or smartphone every day. If you’re stealing those glances while you’re driving, you may have an opportunity to add a photo of a hefty ticket to your social media accounts this month.