Police hand out more than 50 tickets for distracted driving in school zones

According to Kelowna RCMP, distracted driving remains a serious safety concern. This came to light after a focused enforcement operation in local school zones last week.

Officers from the Road Safety Unit conducted checks on Feb. 11 – 12, targeting drivers using handheld electronic devices during peak drop-off and pick-up times. Over the two-day initiative, officers observed numerous motorists texting, scrolling, or otherwise engaging with devices while operating their vehicles in clearly marked school zones, issuing more than 50 tickets.

In British Columbia, using a handheld electronic device while driving carries a $368 fine and four demerit points. Constable Tyler Hug of the Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit stressed the dangers, saying even a brief distraction can put children at serious risk.

“Driving demands your full attention, especially in school zones where children can act unpredictably,” Hug said. “Our priority is community education, but enforcement is necessary when drivers choose to ignore the rules that keep neighbourhoods safe.”

Proactive enforcement will continue throughout the school year. Drivers are reminded that school zones are 30 km/h on school days from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., unless otherwise posted, and that using handheld electronic devices is illegal even when stopped in traffic or at a red light.

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