Distracted driving is responsible for approximately one quarter of all fatal crashes in B.C. Most drivers understand that using their phone increases their risk of crashing, yet many still do it. That’s why ICBC, police and the B.C. government are teaming up to launch a month-long distracted driving campaign in March.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety*, the odds of crashing increase by five times when using your phone, whether dialing, texting, reag or using social media.
​​Distracted driving in B.C. infographics:
Police are ramping up their enforcement of distracted driving across the province. Cell Watch volunteers will be roadside, reminding drivers to leave their phones alone. And ICBC road safety coordinators will be attending community events with a driving simulator the public can try. The hashtag ‪#eyesfwdbc‬ on Twitter:
.@OakBayPolice Foul Bay and Lansdowne. Put the phone down.. #eyesfwdBC pic.twitter.com/TVOJ5ITkxV
— Sgt Rob Smith (@OakBayCop) March 12, 2016
Stopping #CRD distracted drivers in their tracks @SaanichPolice @SaanichPD_RCsts #yyjtraffic #eyesfwdBC ^kp pic.twitter.com/yZyVaKGFws
— ICBC (@icbc) March 11, 2016
Distracted driving simulation GIF from GTAV. Yup, distracted driving is bad even in simulations. https://t.co/BrZgZj9Mqi #eyesfwdBC
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) March 11, 2016
You can take a stand against distracted driving and encourage others to do the same, by picking up a free decal to display on your vehicle at ICBC driver licensing offices and participating Autoplan broker offices.
The campaign features radio advertising and digital advertising, which will appear online as well as in restaurants and bars.