Nothing but excuses - that's what police heard last month from drivers who were caught driving and using a hand-held cell phone.
During a month-long crackdown in September on distracted driving, police estimate they issued more than 3,500 tickets - 2,100 tickets alone by metro Vancouver RCMP. And we're pretty sure there were a few here on the Sunshine Coast.
B.C.'s ban on hand-held cell phone use while driving became law on Jan. 1 of last year. More than 32,000 tickets were issued last year. I realize that there are growing pains with any new law, as was evident by the number of tickets handed out last year. But clearly evident by the number of tickets handed out in the latest September crackdown, many drivers are still oblivious to the law or think that they can get away with it and not get caught.
I admit I have been guilty myself, so trying to preach to you about putting down your cell phone while driving is like the pot calling the kettle black, but rest assured that I will take my own advice to heart and stop driving while on the phone.
It's not only against the law now, but it's dangerous and could result in an accident that may hurt or kill an innocent bystander or myself.
Last week, ICBC released the top 10 excuses that police heard from drivers during the crackdown.
No. 1 - "This is a bogus law." Well, some people have to change their attitude. As I mentioned above, distracted driving can have serious consequences, which is why the law was brought into effect in the first place - safety.
No. 2 - "It was my boss on the phone - I had to answer it." I'm sure my boss wouldn't mind if I missed his call and it went to voice mail. Better to be safe than become another work-place accident statistic.
No. 3 - "I wasn't using it - I just like to hold it." This one doesn't make much sense to me. Anything that distracts you from the road is dangerous, and holding onto the phone instead of your wheel is a recipe for disaster.
No. 4 - "Sorry officer, I didn't see you trying to pull me over because I was on my phone." I don't think I need to comment on how foolish this statement sounds.
No. 5 - "But it was an emergency call to my wedding planner." Really - that's the emergency?
No. 6 - "My Bluetooth died." If it did in fact die, then pull over and change your voice mail to let callers know you are on the road and will call them back when it is safe to do so.
No. 7 - "I'm using my speakerphone." Police officer: No, you are holding your phone in one hand and steering with the other.
No. 8 - "I'm not driving, I was stopped at a red light." Stopped at a light or driving, if you are behind the wheel, you are driving.
No. 9 - "I wasn't talking, I was checking messages." You are still on the phone while driving, which is against the law. Get that clear.
No. 10 - "I was just checking the time." Ever heard of a watch or the clock on the dash in your car?
I found many of these excuses hilarious, but talking and driving is not funny. It's serious business. We all need to take heed and obey the new law. It's the safe and right thing to do.
