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Opinion: Burnaby trucker too busy on the phone to notice cops nailing his butt

Distracted driving is one of those road crimes that some people seem OK with in a way that’s different from speeding. People get viscerally angry about speeding, but seem to just shrug at distracted driving.
burnaby rcmp truck distracted driving
Burnaby RCMP caught the driver of this dump truck for distracted driving and having bald tires. Burnaby RCMP photo

Distracted driving is one of those road crimes that some people seem OK with in a way that’s different from speeding.

People get viscerally angry about speeding, but seem to just shrug at distracted driving.

The difference seems to be that speeding means your vehicle is hurtling dangerously towards somebody, while distracted driving feels momentary.

I don’t see the difference.

Both behaviours are dangerous. Sadly, distracted driving is harder to spot for Burnaby RCMP. A vehicle going really fast is easier to catch with radar.

Trying to get a glimpse inside a vehicle to see someone on the phone or shaving or putting on their makeup.

Well, Burnaby RCMP managed to nail six drivers for distracted infractions during a blitz on Monday at a local intersection.

They also caught the driver of a huge double dump truck for distracted driving, but they also added tickets for not completing a pre-trip inspection and for driving on bald tires.

Hey, truckers, you need treads on your tires in order to stop a machine that big.

Good grief.

Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.