BC Doctors say distracted driving warrants heavy penalty

Doctors of BC has long advocated for restrictions on the use of cell phone while driving. Doctors know first-hand the devastation caused by automobile accidents, and distracted driving is often a contributor to those accidents.

Have a look at our Letter to the Editor, published in the Vancouver Sun on April 7, 2014.

Distracted driving warrants heavy penalty

Re: Victoria eyes increase in fines for distracted driving, April 2

B.C.’s doctors have urged the provincial government to implement increased fines and expand penalty points for distracted driving. As an Emergency Room physician, I have seen first-hand the disastrous consequences of automobile accidents on victims and their families.

We supported the government in taking its first steps to reduce distracted driving, but it is now time to take further action — as we suggested in our policy paper Time to Hang Up, published in 2009.

Not only is distracted driving killing more British Columbians than drinking and driving, we believe this offence warrants a heavier penalty because driving while using a cellphone places other individuals, as well as the driver, at risk.

By increasing fines and introducing demerit points for repeat offenders, we hope to see the same level of awareness on the dangers of distracted driving as we have for seat belts and drinking under the influence of alcohol.

WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, President, Doctors of B.C.