Distracted driving legislation
Distracted driving is preventable
- Leave your phone alone and minimize potential distractions before you head out on the road.
- Plan your route and secure your pets.
- Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel.
- Even the sound of an incoming email or text can be distracting. Turn off your phone and put it out of reach.
BC laws states that drivers cannot:
- send or read text messages or e-mails
- make or receive calls unless using a hands-free device
- hold or operate any electronic device
- operate hand-held or hands-free cellphones if a learner or novice driver (in GLP)
Anytime you are holding your device in your hand, or when you are taking your eyes off of the road to manipulate buttons on that device, it is considered using the device. This is subject to a $368 fine under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Using an electronic device includes:
(only required to be doing one of these actions to commit an offence)
- holding the device in your hand
- operating one of its functions (i.e. press buttons)
- talking on the device
- watching the device
- using earbuds/pieces to listen to music
What is an "electronic device" ?
- cell phones, smartphones and other hand-held devices that have telephone capabilities and on which you can send text messages or emails
- iPods and other music players
- GPS systems
- hand microphones
- televisions
- other handheld electronic devices
Did you know?
If you are listening to music on your phone or electronic device, the following applies:
- Device cannot be held in your hand
- Must be securely fixed to your vehicle, or your person; and
- Music must be streamed through the vehicle speakers. While driving, you cannot listen to music on earbuds, even on only one earbud/piece.
If you are speaking to someone on your phone or electronic device, the following applies:
- Device cannot be held in your hand
- Must be securely fixed to your vehicle, or your person; and
- If using ear buds, you may only have one ear bud/piece on your ear, and the other ear must be free.
You can’t eat a bowl of soup while driving. Drive without due care = $368 Fine + 6 points
Myths:
I can text or talk while stopped at a red light - False. The law applies even when you are stopped at a red light.
I can multitask because I am a great driver - False. Even a great driver needs to have their full attention focused on driving. You are not in control of the environment around you. Roadways are very dynamic environments with situations and circumstances that can change quickly.
Everyone can use a bluetooth - False. Graduated Licence class 7 drivers or those who are required to display an
L
orN
on the vehicle may not use any electronic device at all, including hands free or GPS.Distracted driving only applies to electronic devices - False. It includes, but is not limited to; eating, drinking, reading, passengers and pets, playing with your vehicles gadgets and yes, flossing your teeth or curling you hair.
It is an emergency so I can use my phone - Maybe. The only time you are exempt from using your phone for an emergency is if you are calling 9-1-1. Even in this case, you should pull over as soon as you can to make your call.
Tips:
- If you think you will be tempted to answer a text or email while driving, turn your cell phone off or lock it in the trunk.
- Ask your passenger to make your calls and answer your texts if they cannot wait.
- Allow your phone calls to go to voicemail and check them when your drive is over.
- If you must receive a call, pull over to the side of the roadway.
Remember: Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
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