Two seconds is all it takes to get into an accident that could end or change a life!

ICBC reports that distracted driving collisions are the second leading cause of car crash fatalities in B.C.

To help increase driver awareness of the seriousness of speeding and distracted driving the City of Fernie has partnered with the Fernie RCMP Detachment and ICBC. Watch for volunteers to be out over the month of August manning speed boards at various locations around the community and collecting data on motorists who are displaying distracted driving or speeding.

Remember, if you’re texting, you’re not driving!

ICBC Tips for safe cell phone use

Leave your phone alone. No call or text is worth risking your life or others. Let calls go to voicemail and ignore your text messages while driving. Remember using a phone at a stop light is still prohibited.

Pull over to make or receive a call. If you have to take a call, pull over if it’s safe to do so or use your phone in hands-free mode; stay focused on the road and keep the conversation brief.

Plan to avoid distraction. Turn your cell phone off or place it in the trunk of your car so you won’t be tempted to talk, email or text when you’re on the road.

Assign a designated texter. Ask your passengers to make or receive calls and texts for you.

Keep your hands off. Hands-free means a Bluetooth or wired headset or speakerphone. If you’re using a headset or headphones, remember that drivers can only wear them in one ear. Motorcyclists however, can use 2 earphones while riding.

New driver? If you have a Learner’s or Novice licence, you aren’t allowed to use any electronic device behind the wheel, including hands-free headsets or speakerphones.

Law enforcement. Police officers and emergency responders are the only drivers permitted to use mobile devices behind the wheel.

Check the facts.  Make sure you understand the law, review the facts about distracted drivingand learn the rules around using your mobile device in a vehicle.

City of Fernie

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