Traffic enforcement officers were out in full force on Monday, handing out tickets to speeders and distracted drivers throughout Burnaby.
With no court appearances or accidents, traffic officers were able to hit the streets July 15 and crack down on dangerous driving practices, including speeding, lack of seatbelts and distracted driving - the detachment's number 2 concern.
"Use of electronic devices while driving ... is one of the top two priorities for our traffic enforcement," said Staff Sgt. Major John Buis. "Number 1 is impaired driving, number 2 is distracted driving."
Buis said drivers using electronic devices are comparable, in some ways, to impaired drivers.
"Our investigators have noticed that people who are texting or talking on the phone, displays some of the same characteristics as an impaired driver," he said.
These characteristics include driving too slow, driving too fast, swerving and weaving down the road.
"You can definitely tell when a person is texting or emailing or on a telephone because they're distracted," he added.
Police are hoping people will start getting the message that using an electronic device while driving is not only illegal, but also dangerous and can cause accidents.
"That also includes earphones," he added.
Buis said people listening to music with headphones on is an offence and drivers caught doing this will get ticketed for distracted driving, which carries a $167 fine.
"And the very fact that their ears are covered is enough for the offence, ... you can't cover your ears with an electronic device," he said.
Officers handed out 53 tickets across the city on Monday, 26 for distracted driving, 11 for illegal HOV lane use, nine for not wearing a seat belt and seven speeding tickets.
While these offences happen all year round, Buis said during the summer there is a noticeable increase in dangerous driving habits.
"It's good weather, there's a little bit less traffic on the roads at different times ... so people try to take advantage of that," he added.
For more information on distracted driving and tips for safe mobile use, visit www.icbc.com/road-safety/safer-drivers/distractions.
