YouB次元官网网址檙e 400 per cent more likely to crash if youB次元官网网址檙e on the phone while driving, according to ICBC, which is why theyB次元官网网址檝e partnered with the RCMP, municipal police and community volunteers to combat distracted driving during the month of September.

West Shore RCMP teamed up with volunteers from their Cell Watch program on Wednesday to step up enforcement and raise awareness in drivers.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 important to us, because we know distracted driving is a significant factor in collision,B次元官网网址� said Cpl. Kathy Rochlitz. B次元官网网址淲e want people to recognize the impact it has on their driving.B次元官网网址�

Distractions in the form of texting, talking on the phone, even eating, take attention away from the road and can lead to disastrous consequences. Most rear-end crashes resulting in injuries are caused by distracted driving. On the Island, a dozen people are killed each year in crashes related to distracted driving.

Although RCMP and volunteers were visually out in force around the West Shore on Wednesday, it doesnB次元官网网址檛 mean theyB次元官网网址檙e not still on the lookout the rest of the time. The RCMP reminded drivers theyB次元官网网址檙e not allowed to use any hand-held device, and that B次元官网网址榟ands-freeB次元官网网址� means a Bluetooth or wired headset or speakerphone, securely attaching the device to the car. Phones on your lap or loose on the seat are not allowed.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e always looking for more volunteers for the speed watch and cell watch programs,B次元官网网址� added Rochlitz. B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檙e an extra set of eyes and they help us spread the message of how important it is to stay focused on the road.B次元官网网址�

For more information on becoming a volunteer, contact the Community Policing office at 250-391-3327.

acowan@goldstreamgazette.com