OFFICERS from the Metro Vancouver Transit Police Targeted Mobile Enforcement Team (TMET) led a one-day distracted driving enforcement initiative in Richmond, which resulted in over $66,000 in fines being issued in just eight hours.
On Tuesday, September 29, Transit Police TMET was joined by the Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit in distracted driving enforcement below the Canada Line’s route of No. 3 Road. In all, 148 provincial violation tickets were issued, totaling $66,716.
Of those, 106 were for use of electronic devices while driving, 25 were for seatbelt violations, one was for drive without insurance, and 16 others were for various other Motor Vehicle Act offences.
Volunteers from both police agencies were assisting the police officers, and numerous other drivers were given warning letters and educated about the dangers of distracted driving, which are documented by ICBC.
“Distracted driving is the second-leading contributing factor in all police-reported fatal crashes, following speeding. Decisions made behind the wheel can carry devastating, life-long consequences for a vehicle’s driver or occupants, or for the pedestrians who are just trying to make their way to and from transit safely,” said A/Sgt. Jazz Nijjar
