RCMP Central Okanagan Traffic Services officers conducted their first of many enforcement campaigns in the Kelowna Region for March’s Distracted Driving month.
The enforcement operation was conducted at various locations around Kelowna March 1, which involved both officers in uniforms and plain clothes.
"The operation was set to target distracted drivers, however officers found they were dealing with many other offenses under the Motor Vehicle Act as well," said Const. Jesse O'Donaghey, in a press release.
In total RCMP issued fines of $167 to 31 violators for using an electronic device while driving. Fines were also issued to 23 drivers amd their passengers for not wearing their seatbelts, as well as to 15 drivers for driver’s licencing offences and insurance violations.
"What was most surprising was the total of 64 offenses involving vehicle defects. The most common observed by officers were tinted windows, tinted licence plate covers, and licence plates not attached to the front of vehicles," he said.
O'Donaghey reissued the public plea that drivers leave their phones alone and remain focussed on the road.
“We are well beyond the education period for the distracted driving laws. If you are stopped for using an electronic device while driving expect to pay the fine,” said O’Donaghey.