Good Afternoon Block Watch Members,
As part of a province-wide campaign, Surrey RCMP’s Traffic Services has been focusing its enforcement efforts on distracted driving this month. To highlight this enforcement campaign, Surrey RCMP is participating in “Operation Hang Up”. In partnership with ICBC, Surrey Crime Prevention Society, and the City of Surrey, this week long event is designed to improve road safety and drive home the fact that distracted driving behaviour is dangerous. Drivers are four times more likely to in a crash while using their phone.
“Operation Hang Up is a combination of education, awareness and enforcement,” says Cpl. Scotty Schumann. “Drivers will see a large number of high visibility signs placed in strategic locations reminding them to stay off the phone. Police and volunteers will also be out in conjunction with the signs educating drivers as well as enforcing the laws.”
A driver caught holding an electronic device can be fined $167 and receive 3 points against their driver’s licence. If you cause an accident due to distracted driving the penalties can be more severe.
As part of their duties, Surrey RCMP Traffic Services uses a high power spotting scope during enforcement. This scope helps them see drivers holding an electronic device long before drivers see the police. (see attached picture)
“It’s time we all commit to leaving our phones alone and avoiding other forms of distraction when we’re behind the wheel,” says Karen Klein, local ICBC Road Safety Coordinator. “One in four deaths on BC roads involves distracted driving. No call or text is so important that it’s worth risking your life.”
For more information on distracted driving please visit the Surrey RCMP’s website or ICBC’s Road Safety page.
What: Media availability for “Operation Hang-Up”, officers enforcing distracted driving laws
Where: 3000 block of King George Blvd, Surrey
When: September 30th, 2015 at 1:30 pm
Who: Surrey RCMP Traffic Services, ICBC Road Safety, Cell Watch volunteers
ASHLEY SOUSA
CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
COORDONNATRICE DES PROGRAMMES DE LA PRÉVENTION DU CRIME
Surrey RCMP District 5 | GRC De Surrey District 5
South Surrey
100-1815 152nd Street, Surrey, BC V4A 9Y9
T: 604-599-7862
F: 604-538-6098