A recent poll has been released, capturing details from an online survey regarding distracted driving across the province.
Since a similar Research Co. poll was conducted in April 2022, not only has there been an increase in reported distracted drivers sightings, the request for increased penalties has also been on the rise.
In the 2023 online survey, 62% of British Columbians say they witnessed a driver talking on a hand-held cell phone or texting while driving over the past four weeks.
That’s up 16 points since the other poll was completed in April 2022.
According to the poll, Vancouver Island is 63% likely to report a distracted driver. This stat is lower than the Fraser Valley, who’s 82% likely to report a distracted driver, but it’s higher than other areas in BC, such as Southern and Metro Vancouver.
The fine right now for drivers caught emailing, texting, or using an electronic device while driving in British Columbia is $368 and four penalty points (currently equivalent to $214) in their insurance penalty point premium.
This equals a total of $582 for a first-time infraction.
In one recent example, VicPD issued 23 distracted driving tickets in one day.
“Keep your hands on the wheel & eyes on the road,” read a tweet by the Victoria Police that same day.
Just over two thirds of British Columbians are in support of seizing electronic devices from repeat offenders.
Additionally, more than three-in-five British Columbians support raising the current fine for distracted driving to $1,240.
That’s a lot of money!
For full details on the report, including methodology and margin of error, view the poll release here.
If you wish to view the date tables, click here.
