Distracted driving in the Kootenays

More than 30 people are killed every year in B.C.'s Southern Interior as a result of distracted driving, according to Sergeant Dino Falcone of the Nelson Police Department. This number is higher than anywhere else in British Columbia.

“Even though the populations are higher in other areas," said Falcone, "we have more people killed in the Southern Interior than Vancouver Island and the northern region combined, based on stats from 2009 to 2013."

ICBC representative Joanna Linsangan echoes Falcone's comments. 

“One in four deaths on B.C. roads involve distracted driving," said Linsangan, "so this remains a very serious issue we are committed to tackling, with government and police. We have seen some signs of improvement, but it’s too early to identify a trend. The five-year average for deaths per year due to driver distraction has dropped from 95 (in 2006-2010) to 88 (2009-2013), but distracted driving remains a leading cause of car crash fatalities in B.C.”

Laws state drivers are not allowed to hold, operate or watch the screen of an electronic device, or send or receive text messages or email on any type of electronic device, Linsangan said. Hands-free tools are permitted, drivers with an L or N are not allowed to use any personal electronic devices, even with a hands-free system.

On top of these general rules, it is possible to receive a ticket for doing anything that takes your attention away from the wheel, such as putting on makeup, using a handheld GPS, or eating.

“If you have to take a call or make a call, pull over," said Falcone. "That would be the best thing. Or use a hands-free device that is securely attached to your vehicle."

The B.C. government, police and ICBC work together in conducting two distracted driving education and enhanced enforcement campaigns every year. These campaigns include radio, television and online advertising, with social media support and decals for drivers to display on their vehicles to show they don’t use their devices while driving. There are also two campaigns each year to combat impaired driving—in July and December.

Impaired driving

As a reminder, in British Columbia drivers can be charged with impaired driving if their blood alcohol content is not less than 0.05 mg/100ml. Drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program are subject to a zero tolerance policy for impaired driving.

According to Falcone, there is no good way of telling if you are over the limit or how long it takes for drinks to wear off.

“It depends on your body weight and if you are male or female," Falcone said. "Men actually have more water in their bodies compared to a woman of the same height and weight, so women would typically have a higher BAC after the same amount of drinks.

"If you are planning on going out to have a drink, the best thing to do to be on the safe side is plan an alternative to driving.”