Editor:
We’ve been hearing a lot about distracted driving lately. And most of us immediately think of cellphone use.
But according to the bc.rcmp.ca website, “distracted driving … includes, but is not limited to: eating, drinking, reading, passengers and pets, playing with your vehicle gadgets, and yes, flossing your teeth or curling your hair.”
And there’s my pet peeve (pun intended): the dog lovers who can’t bear to leave their furry friends alone for as long as it takes to drive to IGA.
How can you not be distracted with a hairy critter squirming in your lap, or sprawling across your driving arm, or slathering your face with wet kisses in the middle of an intersection?
Driving with an unrestrained dog in the front seat is illegal. It’s also dangerous – to other drivers on the road, and to your dog. Your precious pooch could become a flying projectile should you have to stop suddenly. And navigating when you can’t see past a wagging tail is just plain stupid.
Your vehicle is not a mobile living room equipped with all the comforts of home. It’s a couple of tons of metal hurtling through space with you (hopefully) in control.
A first-time distracted driving offence in B.C. now could cost over $500 (and more than $3,000 for a third offence). It could end up costing much more than that.
Heather Till, Sechelt
