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Hands-free means a Bluetooth, wired headset or speakerphone that can be operated with one touch or voice commands. The law applies even when you're stopped at a red light or in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Don't use your cellphone at a red light. Avoid looking at screens while driving, even if you're using your phone hands-free. Signs at highway rest areas, some of which now provide free Wi-Fi. Pull over to make or receive a call when it's safe and legal to do so.
Plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need before hitting the road, like programming your navigation and infotainment systems in advance so you're not trying to do it while driving. Ask your passengers to make or receive calls and texts for you.
Turn it to silent and keep it out of reach and out of sight, or turn on "Do not disturb while driving" features that will send automatic replies to incoming texts and route incoming calls to voicemail. Let calls go to voicemail and ignore your text messages while driving. No call, text or email is so important it's worth risking your life or the lives of others. With increased enforcement throughout B.C., multiple infractions can now put a serious dent in your wallet. If you have four or more points at the end of a 12-month period, you pay aĭriver penalty point (DPP) premium. You may also have to pay aĭriver risk premium if you get more than one distracted driving ticket in a three-year period. If you're caught distracted driving, you'll be ticketed and receive a fine of $368.Įvery ticket for distracted driving also adds four driver penalty points to your driving record. Think of all the times that you don’t feel like taking a break from your phone but do! The cost of distracted driving Resisting the temptation of e-mails, texts, calls, posts and cat videos can be hard but it can be done similar to being at the movies, at customs, during takeoff or landing. You’re 3.6 times more likely to crash if you’re using your hand-held phone.
Even when stopped, it affects your focus. If you're looking at your phone, you can't see the roadĬhecking your phone at a red light may seem harmless, but the truth is using an electronic device behind the wheel is a dangerous distraction. We all play a part in making our roads safe – when you're behind the wheel, focus on the road. Even if you're not using your phone, you may still be distracted.Īnything that takes your attention away from driving, like chatting with passengers, eating or drinking, or adjusting radio or vehicle settings, can contribute to distracted and inattentive driving.