More than 50 Kelowna drivers ticketed for using phones in school zones

Kelowna traffic officers handed out more than 50 tickets to drivers in school zones during a crackdown on distracted driving last week.

Police said officers were looking for distracted drivers using their cellphones during the busy pick-up and drop-off hours at several schools on Feb. 11 and 12.

“Driving demands your full attention, especially in school zones where children are present,” Const. Tyler Hug with the road safety unit said in a media release issued today, Feb. 17.

Officers watched as drivers texted and scrolled on their phones, and even took photos of the offenders. 

“Children can act unpredictably, and even a brief distraction can put them at serious risk,” Const. Hug said.

Police point out that using a cellphone while driving is illegal, even if you are stopped in traffic or at a red light.

Getting a ticket for using an electronic device will driving comes with a $368 fine and four demerit points.

“Our priority is community education and helping everyone make safer choices,” Const. Hug said. “While we always aim to prevent incidents through awareness, enforcement becomes necessary when drivers choose not to follow the rules that keep our neighbourhoods safe.”