Between Aug. 22 and Aug. 28, commercial motor vehicle inspectors will emphasize the importance of brake systems by conducting inspections and removing commercial motor vehicles found to have brake-related out-of-service violations from the roadways.

Throughout Brake Safety Week, inspectors will conduct North American Standard Inspections of commercial motor vehicles, focusing on the vehicle’s brake systems and components. In addition, inspectors will compile data on brake hoses/tubing, the focus area for this year’s Brake Safety Week, to submit to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

Many motor carriers work to educate their drivers and maintenance service providers on the importance of brake system safety ahead of the enforcement campaign.

Jurisdictions devote a week to conducting commercial motor vehicle inspections, identifying brake violations and removing vehicles with out-of-service brake violations because:

– Brake system and brake adjustment violations accounted for more vehicle violations than any other vehicle violation category, accounting for 38.6% of all vehicle out-of-service conditions, during last year’s three-day International Roadcheck inspection and enforcement initiative.
– “Brake system” was the third most cited vehicle-related factor in fatal commercial motor vehicle and passenger vehicle crashes, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s latest “Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts” report.
– Brake-related violations accounted for eight out of the top 20 vehicle violations in 2020, according to FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Management Information System.
– During last year’s Brake Safety Week, 12% of the 43,565 commercial motor vehicles inspected were placed out of service for brake-related violations.

The dates for Brake Safety Week are shared in advance to remind motor carriers, drivers and commercial motor vehicle mechanics/technicians to proactively check and service their vehicles to ensure every commercial motor vehicle traveling on our roadways is safe, mechanically fit and compliant. Recent research has shown that announcing enforcement campaigns ahead of time improves overall compliance better than surprise enforcement campaigns and for longer periods after the event, CVSA officials said in a press release.

August, the month of CVSA’s Brake Safety Week, is also Brake Safety Awareness Month. Law enforcement agencies will work to educate commercial motor vehicle drivers, motor carriers, technicians, owner-operators and others on the importance of proper brake maintenance, operation and performance through outreach, education and awareness campaigns.

Over the last 10 years, 12 roadside workers died and 207 were injured

The BC Cone Zone campaign, now in its 11th year, sets out to remind drivers, employers, and workers to do their part to prevent injuries and deaths of roadside workers.

Roadside work is a dangerous job. Between 2011 and 2020, 12 roadside workers were killed and 207 were injured in B.C. Last year, 23 workers were injured because of being hit by a motor vehicle.

The risks to roadside workers are more prevalent in the summer months as roadside work increases at this time of year and traffic levels typically rise.

The campaign reminds drivers to slow down when approaching a Cone Zone and to pay attention to instructions from traffic control persons, temporary road signs, and traffic control devices.

In addition, under the “Slow Down, Move Over” law, drivers should be prepared to reduce speed and if safe to do so, move over to an open lane when approaching a vehicle with flashing amber, red, or blue lights (tow, fire, police, ambulance).

As part of the campaign, a traffic enforcement blitz will occur at roadside work zones where police will be ticketing drivers for unsafe behaviours. Tickets will be issued for violations, such as speeding, disobeying a flag person, or using an electronic device while driving.

Cone Zones are work areas set up by roadside workers to protect themselves and the driving public. Road-maintenance crews, tow truck operators, first responders, municipal workers, traffic control persons, construction crews, and other roadside workers all depend on drivers to respect the Cone Zone to keep their workplaces safe.

Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their workers and contractors along BC’s roads and highways, including:

• Ensuring their workers understand the hazards related to working at the roadside.
• Providing their workers with training, equipment, supervision and resources to help keep them safe.

Roadside workers can work safely by:

• Knowing how to identify hazards and assess risks.
• Following safe work procedures, including work zone set-up and take-down.
• Wearing appropriate high-visibility clothing and other PPE.
• Reporting unsafe work conditions to their supervisor.

Major provincial projects scheduled and underway during the 2021 summer include:
• Highway 1 Lower Lynn Improvements
• Highway 91/17 Upgrade Project

Quotes:

Harry Bains, Minister of Labour:
“It’s important that workers are safe on the job, and in fact it’s their lawful right. In addition to the hazards of roadwork, flaggers and other people who work in Cone Zones face additional risks from passing vehicles. I ask all drivers to do their part and slow down so these workers remain safe and return home healthy at the end of their shifts.”

Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure:
“It’s a busy time for road maintenance and we’re reminding drivers to slow down and drive with care. Using caution while passing through a job site will help keep our traffic controllers and construction workers safe while they do their job. Campaigns like this are great reminders to respect the Cone Zone, for everyone’s safety.”

Louise Yako, Program Director Road Safety At Work:
“One of the greatest risks to a roadside worker is a motor vehicle being driven through their workplace. Dangerous driving behaviour like speeding and distracted driving puts these workers at risk of injury and death.”

“The Cone Zone campaign is a joint provincial initiative supported by the Work Zone Safety Alliance of organizations committed to improving the safety of roadside workers. Until the number of fatalities and injuries is zero, we will continue to take action to protect roadside workers. We ask all drivers, and roadside employers and workers to do the same.”

Al Johnson, Head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC:
“Roadside work is a dangerous job—and spring and summer are the busiest times of the year for these workers. Drivers must remember to reduce their speed, pay attention, and be respectful of the roadside workers and their workplace, so these women and men can go home safely to their families at the end of the day.”

---

Resources and Statistics:
Employers and workers can also access online tools, campaign resources, and materials at www.ConeZoneBC.com and www.worksafebc.com/conezone.
For additional statistics, access this infographic on Tableau.

About the Cone Zone Campaign
The Cone Zone campaign, supported by the Work Zone Safety Alliance, aims to reduce the number of deaths and injuries to roadside workers by increasing awareness of the vulnerability of these workers and encouraging drivers to practise safe driving behaviour in the Cone Zone.

About the Work Zone Safety Alliance
The Cone Zone campaign is a joint provincial initiative supported by organizations committed to improving the safety of roadside workers. They are Ambulance Paramedics of B.C., Automotive Retailers Association, BCAA, BC Construction Safety Alliance, BC Flagging Association, BC Landscape and Nursery Association, BC Municipal Safety Association, BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association, BC Road Safe, CoreCode Safety and Compliance, Government of BC, IBEW Local 258, Insurance Corporation of BC, K&K Consulting, Justice Institute of British Columbia, LiUNA Local 1611, Mainroad Group, RCMP, Road Safety at Work, SafetyDriven, Telus, The Universal Group, and WorkSafeBC.

About Road Safety At Work
Road Safety At Work is a WorkSafeBC-funded initiative managed by the Justice Institute of BC aimed at eliminating work-related motor vehicle crashes, deaths, and injuries in British Columbia. Road Safety At Work offers free online resources and courses — as well as workshops, webinars, and consulting services — to help organizations plan, implement and monitor effective road safety programs.

Media contact:
Anita Deiter, Cone Zone Campaign Manager
Tel: 604-786-9566
anita.deiter@roadsafetyatwork.ca

2021 SafetyDriven Board Vacancy Notice

SafetyDriven – Trucking Safety Council of BC is currently accepting applications to serve on the Board of Directors.

We are a not-for-profit organization that focuses on promoting occupational health and safety in trucking and related industries (transportation, supply chain logistics and waste management) by providing programs and services that can lead to a reduction in injury and fatality rates. For more information about SafetyDriven, including our annual reports, strategic plans and governance materials, please visit our website.

Current Vacancy
The SafetyDriven Board of Directors is comprised of leaders who represent all aspects of both the trucking and moving and storage industries. Our board members champion safety operations improvement and have a strong commitment to SafetyDriven’s mission and vision.
We are seeking new members with a variety of skill sets, including individuals who are passionate about workplace and vehicle safety and have governance or management experience to complement the existing expertise of the board. Applications from candidates that are currently employed by a company within WorkSafeBC Classification Units of General Trucking (CU 732019) or Moving & Storage (CU 732030), or in other related industries are welcome.

Successful candidates will serve on the board for a two-year term commencing on June 24, 2021 SafetyDriven’s Annual General Meeting. Attendance is required at regularly scheduled board meetings. A minimum of four meetings are scheduled every year and are held on-site in the Fraser Valley or virtually when required. For more information on becoming a board member, please read our Governance and Terms of Reference.

How to Apply
If you would like to join us in our vision to eliminate workplace injuries and fatalities in BC’s trucking, transportation and related industries, please apply online.

Submission deadline is May 28, 2021.

​Every year, 81 people are killed in speed-related crashes, making speed the number one cause of car crash fatalities in B.C.*

That’s why ICBC and police are launching a month-long campaign focusing on speed and urging drivers to slow down.

While British Columbians are asked not to travel outside their health authority in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19, drivers still need to be mindful of their speed.

Small changes in speed can have a significant impact: an increase of just one km/h in average speed results in an increase of three per cent of crashes resulting in injury and four to five per cent increase for fatal crashes.**

Police will be targeting speeding and other high-risk driving behaviours during May. Speed Watch volunteers will also be set up in B.C. communities to remind drivers of the speed they’re travelling.

The campaign includes new education digital advertising and social media, as well as enforcement radio ads.

For tips and other facts, visit icbc.com.

Quotes:
Chief Constable Neil Dubord, Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee
“Those who chose to speed excessively, change lanes aggressively, tailgate, disobey traffic lights and signs are willingly putting themselves and the public at risk for serious injury or death. In May, police agencies and road safety partners across B.C. are using all available resources, including Intersection Safety Cameras and targeted approaches, to prevent deadly driving behaviours and remove high-risk drivers from our roads.”​

Lindsay Matthews, ICBC’s Vice-President Public Affairs and Driver Licensing
“Speeding really doesn’t get you there any faster but increases your chances of crashing. When you slow down, you see more of the road and have more time to react to the unexpected. We can all do our part by slowing down to make our roads safer and save lives.”

Regional statistics*:
On average, 27 people are killed every year in the Lower Mainland from speed-related crashes.

On average, 13 people are killed every year on Vancouver Island from speed-related crashes.

On average, 27 people are killed every year in the Southern Interior from speed-related crashes.

On average, 15 people are killed every year in North Central B.C. from speed-related crashes.

*Police-reported data, five-year average from 2015 to 2019. Speed includes unsafe speed, exceeding speed limit, excessive speed over 40km/h, and driving too fast for conditions.

**Save Lives – A Road Safety Technical Package, World Health Organization (2017), p. 15

The annual Roadcheck inspection will be held May 4-6 and commercial vehicle inspectors will be focusing on lighting issues and hours-of-service violations.

According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), one-fifth of the more than 50,000 commercial vehicle inspections conducted during the 2020 International Roadcheck event resulted in a vehicle being taken out of service because of safety violations.

An instructor explains the details of a pre-trip inspection to students at Trukademy, a truck driving school in Mississauga, Ont. (Photo: Leo Barros)

And of all violations found during the inspection event, close to 40% were tied to the vehicle’s brake system and/or brake adjustment. Other top violation categories included issues related to tires, lights, and cargo securement.

Trucker Holly Faso, who works in the Greater Toronto Area, has not heard about the safety blitz. When asked whether she would prepare differently for it, she replied, “It does not change anything for me, I do thorough pre-trip inspections every day.”

Roadcheck does not worry Daryn Rabb, health and safety manager, Musket Transport. “We inform our drivers about the blitz but not for extra preparation. Officials are inspecting for the standard things that you have to check as part of your circle check or hours-of-service on a regular basis anyways,” he says.

“We tell our drivers to be patient and plan the time an inspection could take into your trip, because you could be delayed,” Rabb adds.

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems wants to make it easier for fleets and owner-operators to prepare for inspections and to accomplish basic maintenance tasks by providing proactive advice on brake systems and wheels in time for this year’s event.

“A review of the findings from the 2020 International Roadcheck event shows that more than 7,200 vehicles and 2,300 drivers were removed from roadways due to a critical finding either related to the safety of the vehicle or of the driver,” said Fred Andersky, Bendix director – demos, sales and service training.

“And of these infractions, problems related to the brake system or to brake adjustment topped the list of violations considered critical enough to put a vehicle out of service. Those violations accounted for 38% of all out-of-service violations found. All told, CVSA’s data shows about 21% of the vehicles inspected were put out of service, and the brakes or brake adjustment were a common reason why.”

Andersky says, “Keep in mind that brakes are one of the foundations for driver safety and for optimal operation of vehicle on-board technologies. That’s why keeping vehicle brakes in good shape is critical in helping to maintain overall safety on the road, and why CVSA’s Roadcheck – along with a regular schedule of preventive maintenance – is so important.”

The Bendix official says, “However, many of the critical issues flagged during these inspections are maintenance-related, and many are issues that could have easily been prevented with regular, thorough maintenance procedures. Inspections may find that brakes need to be adjusted or that tires are improperly inflated, for example. Or they may highlight a driver or technical issue that could have been prevented through training.”

When asked how student drivers are trained for inspections, Jacques Naltais, lead instructor at Trukademy says they are schooled in pre-trip inspections from bumper to bumper. “Attention is paid to the brake test, using the mark and measure method and checking of headlights and marker lights is part of the daily inspection,” he adds.

Students at the truck driving school are also taught how to perform a post-trip inspection. They are trained to do on-trip inspections, getting down from the passenger side and doing a circle check. So, a complete light and tire inspection is performed each time they exit the vehicle.

“We make sure our students know the difference between minor and major defects. For example, if you have a flat tire it’s a major defect, if you have a slow leak it’s a minor one,” Naltais says.

Lights are part of a driver’s regular checks, Musket Transport’s Rabb says. They are tricky because bulbs do burn out. “We have no real concerns regarding the hours-of-service because all of our drivers are on ELDs,” he adds.

Rabb says officers are human and they pull over trucks that they feel might have a problem. What is reported in the news is this many trucks were inspected and this number of defects were found, he says. “What the public perceives is that this many trucks on the road have a problem. The real statistic is of all the trucks the inspectors thought might have a problem, only this many did.” Rabb says.

Driver Faso says the safety blitz is helpful, particularly regarding the hours of service. “Having a tired driver out on the road is very dangerous. You could kill innocent people,” she says.

“Having a tired driver out on the road is very dangerous.”Holly Faso, truck driver

Faso says lighting is important at night, people need to see the truck and the driver needs lights to drive, but it takes a back seat to the hours of service.

International Roadcheck, which was created in 1988, is the largest targeted commercial motor vehicle program in the world, with more than 1.4 million roadside inspections conducted over the history of the event. On average, nearly 15 trucks or buses are inspected every minute of the 72-hour period.

Inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. examine a wide range of vehicle- and driver-related processes and equipment, such as brake systems, steering mechanisms, tires, cargo securement, suspensions, and more to make sure they are compliant with regulations.

Inspectors are on the lookout for critical vehicle inspection item violations, as outlined in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. If these violations are found, then the vehicle will be put out of service and cannot be operated until the conditions are corrected.

---

Visit our site for more information on commercial vehicle safety.

Construction employers must take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission and illness to themselves, workers, and others at the workplace. Prime contractors have specific responsibilities for health and safety on a multiple-employer construction site and must ensure all activities are coordinated.

To ensure the health and safety of workers, the prime contractor must make sure that employers have COVID-19 safety plans in place to reduce the risk of transmission in the workplace.

What are the responsibilities of prime contractors for preventing COVID-19 transmission on a construction site with multiple employers? What considerations need to be made to ensure their COVID-19 safety plans are effective? Frequently asked questions: COVID-19 and responsibilities of prime contractors on construction sites answers these common questions and others, and helps prime contractors to understand and meet their responsibilities as employers.

---

Learn more about COVID-19 in the trucking and moving and storage industries.

Saving Time and Keeping You Moving

Did you know you can easily complete almost all of your WorkSafeBC account related transactions with us online — such as reporting your payroll, paying your premiums, and receiving immediate clearance through your secure online services account? We’ve made it easier for you to manage your account conveniently from your mobile and tablet devices while on the road. Most employers prefer to report and pay online, and once logged into your account you can:

• Submit your payroll reports, and save a confirmation of your transaction
• View your immediate clearance status on a personalized dashboard — after reporting and making a payment
• Pay by credit card or from your bank account using direct debit, and save your preferred payment method for future payments
• View your firm’s rate information and receive payroll reports by email

Creating an online service account is easy — sign up today

Simply visit worksafebc.com to create your WorkSafeBC online services account, or to sign in. For technical issues related to setting up your account, please contact our technical support team.

Transportation and COVID-19 safety

WorkSafeBC continues to follow guidance from public health officials, and to provide health and safety protocols and information to industries as the province moves through the phases of B.C.’s restart plan. Here are some resources to help keep you and those around you healthy and safe:

• Transportation and COVID-19 safety
• COVID-19 information and resources

B.C.’s highways will be safer for everyone with the introduction of mandatory entry-level training (MELT) for new Class 1 commercial driver’s licence applicants.

B.C.’s program will exceed the minimum requirements set by the National Safety Code Standard for entry-level training of Class 1 drivers.

“Having mandatory entry-level commercial vehicle training will result in better-trained new drivers and improved road safety for everyone in British Columbia,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We’ve worked collaboratively with the trucking industry to create a new MELT program for B.C. that will strengthen the industry and prepare drivers to operate safely across B.C.’s challenging climates. This training will ensure new commercial drivers are trained to a higher, consistent standard.”

MELT for Class 1 driver’s license applicants will become a prerequisite for Class 1 road testing starting Oct. 18, 2021. B.C.’s program will include best practices from other Canadian jurisdictions, and emphasize safe operating practices for mountainous geography and diverse driving conditions to ensure commercial drivers are prepared for B.C.’s highway network and the changing weather patterns encountered in the mountains.

“Mandatory training for those operating the largest vehicles on our roads will improve safety across B.C.,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth. “MELT is a vital step to furthering the success our province has seen in reducing traffic fatalities in recent years.”

B.C.’s Class 1 MELT program for new drivers of heavy commercial vehicles will stipulate a minimum required number of practical behind-the-wheel driving hours, in-yard hours and theoretical instructional hours. ICBC is the regulatory body for driver training schools and instructors in B.C. and is consulting with the commercial driving industry, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General to finalize the curriculum.

“Safer Roads Canada is pleased to see British Columbia join the other western provinces in rolling out a MELT program that takes into account the challenging driving conditions and terrain in this province, including winding, narrow mountain passes and icy highways,” said Lawrence and Ginny Hunter, Safer Roads Canada board members, whose 18-year-old son Logan was fatally injured in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash. “We hope this program succeeds in putting better-skilled new drivers on Canada’s roadways so future tragedies can be prevented. This is a step in the right direction in recognizing the challenging conditions these workers face every day on our roads.”

The program will be delivered by licensed driver training schools in B.C. beginning in early summer 2021. Consultation with the trucking and driver training industries in 2019 has provided valuable input to support the development of B.C.’s MELT program.

The Class 1 MELT program is being designed to align with the new Standard 16-Class 1 Entry-Level Training framework introduced as part of the National Safety Code in February 2020, and with mandatory Class 1 entry-level training standards in other Canadian jurisdictions.

Legislation to support the introduction of B.C.’s Class 1 MELT program was passed in August 2020 by the Province in Bill 2, the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2020.

Quotes:

Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO, ICBC –

“Confidence and experience behind the wheel are important in any vehicle, but it is especially important to have the confidence of good training when driving a large commercial vehicle. Future Class 1 drivers completing the MELT program will have a combination of on-road experience and theory, making them a competent addition to the industry, operating safely on B.C. roads.”

David Earle, president, BC Trucking Association –

“MELT will improve the behind-the-wheel driver training for people before they become commercial drivers, which will ultimately improve safety on our roads. Creating a higher standard of competence before people can be licensed will help improve driver decision-making, leading to fewer mistakes on the road. The BCTA is supportive of this positive move by the provincial government, as the new driver training program will benefit us all.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C.’s MELT program for Class 1 drivers will exceed the minimum requirements set by the National Safety Code Standard 16 for entry-level training of Class 1 drivers.
• Existing B.C. Class 1 drivers will be exempt from MELT.
• Effective Oct. 18, 2021, individuals applying for a B.C. Class 1 driver’s licence must complete an ICBC-approved Class 1 MELT course before attempting an ICBC Class 1 road test.
• If you are in mid-process of applying for a Class 1 driver’s licence and hold a valid Class 1 learner’s licence, more information on what this change means for you is available at: icbc.com

Learn More:

For ICBC’s FAQs for commercial drivers and driving schools, visit: https://dtcbc.com/driving-schools/melt/default.asp

For general ICBC Class 1 MELT program information for drivers: https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/types-licences/Pages/Get-your-commercial-driver-licence.aspx

For a list of funding and grant opportunities for applicants interested enrolling in a Class 1 MELT course: www.gov.bc.ca/vehiclesafety/training-grant

For more information about commercial vehicle safety in B.C., visit Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement: www.cvse.ca

Change to how you receive incentive payments

Beginning in May/June 2021, Certificate of Recognition (COR) financial incentives will no longer be mailed as physical cheques. Instead, if you meet the program’s incentive eligibility criteria, the payment will be credited directly to your WorkSafeBC account. This change will eliminate delays in reimbursement created by mail delivery disruptions or outdated contact information, will eliminate the step requiring you to deposit your cheque, and will reduce our environmental footprint. If you have any questions about this change, please email partners.program@worksafebc.com.

Financial incentives are an important part of the certificate of recognition (COR) program, so it’s necessary for employers to understand the process and criteria they must meet to be considered for an incentive.

If you are an employer who has achieved COR certification and are in good standing with WorkSafeBC, you will be considered for an incentive approval.

It’s important to note that incentives and COR certificates are two different streams. You may have a valid certificate and still not be approved for an incentive.

Process
To be eligible for an incentive, there are a number of steps involved after registering in the program.

After completing all required training and meeting other program standards, you must successfully pass your certification audit in order to be considered for an incentive for that year. In each of the following years (years two and three), you must successfully pass your annual maintenance audit to maintain your certification and to be considered for an incentive. In other words, you must have successfully obtained or maintained your certification for the incentive year to be considered eligible for an incentive.

Once your audit has been completed and verified, your certifying partner will update your status with WorkSafeBC indicating you are eligible for COR certification. In the year following your audit, WorkSafeBC will check to see if your company or organization is in good standing. After this verification, you will receive either a letter regarding your incentive status or an incentive cheque.

Criteria
To be considered for an incentive, your organization must:

• Have achieved or maintained your certificate in the previous year (in other words, you conducted and passed an audit that met the certifying partner’s verification process)
• Be in good standing with WorkSafeBC in the current year

To be approved for an incentive, your organization must be in good standing with WorkSafeBC. Your organization will not be approved for an incentive if, in the previous year, you have:

• Engaged in activity that would cause WorkSafeBC to impose, or consider imposing, an administrative penalty
• Suppressed claims for compensation or a claim cost
• An outstanding balance related to your WorkSafeBC employer account
• Failed to register with WorkSafeBC
• Not reported payroll to WorkSafeBC for the audit year
• Engaged in any misconduct WorkSafeBC considers inconsistent with participation in the COR program

This list comes from Assessment policy AP1-42-4.

Overview of timing and scheduling
WorkSafeBC initially considers certificates for incentive payments in the second quarter of the following year. The beginning of the second quarter is when the Partners Program considers payroll for the previous year to be stabilized. If the incentive is not paid by the end of the second quarter, the audit is reconsidered for incentive three more times before the following year.

For example, if your organization is certified at any point this calendar year, it will be considered for an incentive as early as the second quarter of the following year. You can expect to receive a cheque and/or correspondence by the end of June. Please contact our office after July 1 if you have not received a cheque and/or correspondence related to the prior-year audit.

Incentive amount
WorkSafeBC uses the following calculation to determine the incentive amount:

Employer’s reported assessable payroll x (CU base rate / 100) x 10%

See also
Find your classification unit, industry, or rate
Report payroll & pay premiums

A new Ipsos survey reveals that most drivers believe that texting (95 per cent), talking (88 per cent), or even just looking at (80 per cent) your handheld phone while driving is risky, and yet 38 per cent still admit to using their phone at least once in every ten trips.​

Since B.C.’s distracted driving law came into effect in January 2010, more than 455,000 tickets have been issued to drivers for using an electronic device while driving.

More than one in every four fatal crashes on B.C. roads involve distracted driving, which is why police and ICBC continue to educate and enforce this dangerous driving behaviour that claims 78 lives each year.*

This month, drivers will be hearing one message – leave your phone alone when you’re behind the wheel.

Police across B.C. are ramping up distracted driving enforcement during March, and community volunteers are setting up Cell Watch deployments to remind drivers to leave their phones alone. The campaign also features radio ads, digital advertising and social media.

Any activity that takes away your focus on the road is a distraction, but studies show that using electronic devices, like smart phones, is one of the most common and riskiest forms of distracted driving.

Distracted driving is the second leading contributing factor in traffic fatalities in B.C., behind speeding and ahead of impaired driving, and is the top contributing factor in police-reported injury crashes.

ICBC is dedicated to helping all British Columbians stay safe on the road. For more information, check out tips and statistics on icbc.com.

Quotes:
Superintendent Holly Turton, Vice-Chair of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee

“Police across the province continue to put a strong focus on removing distracted drivers from our roads to help keep British Columbia’s roads safe. When you get behind the wheel, you are responsible for the care and control of that vehicle and the safety of all those around you – that means there is no time for distractions like your cellphone, even when stopped in traffic. Keep your eyes and focus on the road because no distraction is worth the risk of causing preventable serious injuries or deaths.”

Lindsay Matthews, ICBC’s Vice-President Public Affairs & Driver Licensing

“Even short glances away from the road increases your risk of crashing. Safer roads start with every driver making a conscious decision to focus on the road and leave their phones alone. Let’s all do our part to create a safer driving culture in B.C.”

Regional statistics*:
Every year, on average, 25 people are killed in distracted driving-related crashes in the Lower Mainland.

Every year, on average, 10 people are killed in distracted driving-related crashes on Vancouver Island.

Every year, on average, 31 people are killed in distracted driving-related crashes in the Southern Interior.

Every year, on average, 13 people are killed in distracted driving-related crashes in the North Central region.

*Police data from 2015 to 2019. Distraction: where one or more of the vehicles involved had contributing factors including use of communication/video equipment, driver inattentive and driver internal/external distraction.