On a recent Saturday morning, I parked adjacent to the offerings on display at a busy garage sale in Brackendale, where kids, dogs and moms pushing strollers were out in full force. As I was about to exit my car, a vehicle approached from the opposite direction. After making eye contact with the driver, who was absorbed in a cell phone conversation, I was greeted with an abrupt middle finger salutation followed by a recommendation to mind my own (expletive deleted) business.
Truth be known, distracted driving is everybody’s business and a quick look around town indicates inattentiveness behind the wheel is a significant issue. According to ICBC, the use of personal electronic devices by drivers is a major contributing factor in vehicular mishaps and resulting injury claims. To cover the payouts, on top of recent rate hikes, the public insurer is set to increase premiums by 28 per cent over the next five years. In other words, even if you’re a safe driver you will end up paying for the indiscretions of fellow travellers.
Last year distracted driving resulted in 77 deaths in B.C. Speeding was a factor in 78 deaths, while alcohol and drugs were the key factor in 63 driving-related fatalities. Over the past five years, more than 200,000 traffic tickets have been handed out for distracted driving in B.C. If you get caught, the law says it will cost $167 and three demerit points. Those penalties are a mere slap on the wrist and appear to be having no substantial deterrent effect.
A few of the recommendations posted on a news website related to cleaning up the distracted driving problem are enlightening. “Send the person’s vehicle to the crusher on the first offence with their cell phone inside the car,” reads one, and another: “Text all contacts on the device that this person broke the law and endangered others, then sell the car for a profit.”
Some observers are convinced the focus should be on enhanced driver education campaigns. Law enforcement agencies across the province have launched a bevy of safety blitzes to make the public more aware of the hazards associated with cell phone use and texting while driving.
That strategy is a step in the right direction, but what will have an even more pronounced effect is the looming prospect of a major hassle and lifestyle disruption for offending drivers. How about a $500 fine combined with a vehicle impoundment and a 30-day licence suspension after the first infraction, increased to 6 months for the next offence and 30 days behind bars after the third conviction?
That may sound too radical, but as distracted driving accidents continue to mount, and insurance rates rise accordingly, more drastic preventive measures are in order.
