Dozens of Kamloops drivers fail to buckle up and put down the phone

KAMLOOPS – As distracted driving month wraps up in B.C., police have been handing out harsh reminders to dozens of Kamloops drivers.

In a news release, Kamloops RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says over two and a half days, members of the Kamloops and Southeast District traffic units and Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement conducted check stops to target distracted drivers and those who failed to use a seatbelt.

The stops were at five different locations throughout the city on March 16, 17 and 22.

Over those days, 74 drivers were ticketed for using electronic devices, 49 were ticketed for not wearing a seatbelt, four were ticketed for not having insurance, three for not having a driver's licence, one failing to stop for police and one prohibited driver.

There were 11 vehicle inspection notices handed out and Shelkie says several other violation tickets were issued as well.

"Kamloops RCMP would like to remind drivers that fatal and serious injury motor vehicle collisions due to distracted driving are completely preventable," Shelkie says. "Keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel."

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