
Confused about B.C.'s rules for distracted driving? So is ICBC
CBC
While distracted driving is a factor in 40 per cent of police-reported crashes and contributes to almost 80 deaths in the province annually, according to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), some people are still unclear about the rules around distracted driving — and that includes ICBC itself.
Earlier this week, the provincial auto insurer released a video meant to demonstrate the rules around distracted driving — showing what is and what isn't OK when it comes to the placement of phones and other electronics in your vehicle.
But it didn't take long for the video to generate more questions than answers, with viewers pointing out that some of the information being shared seemed to be in direct contradiction of the province's rules.
It turns out they were right and ICBC removed the video, apologizing for the confusion.
But the whole episode shows how widespread the confusion is about B.C.'s laws on distracted driving, which have led to more than 140,000 tickets being issued since 2018, according to ICBC.
Lawyer Jenn Teryn, who specializes in driving prohibitions and motor vehicle issues, said for laws to be enforceable, they have to be written clearly — and in many cases, distracted driving rules aren't.
"It is really challenging for the average person to understand what is and isn't permissible while operating a vehicle," she said.
"It's just really complicated and confusing."
ICBC says the bottom line is to keep your focus on the road.
"[Distracted driving] is the second leading contributing cause in fatal crashes," road safety program manager John Nepomuceno told On The Coast host Gloria Macarenko.
"While you're driving, drive. Leave your phone alone, please."
CBC spoke to experts to try to break down the more detailed rules around distracted driving.
Any time a driver looks away from the road while driving is considered distracted driving, according to ICBC.
This includes looking down at a phone or GPS, turning around to talk to someone in the back seat, changing the radio station, eating, drinking, or putting on makeup.