Some Northern B.C. drivers are seemingly forgetting the rules of the road, as distracted driving and lack of seatbelt usage are on the rise.
BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) conducted its 2026 Distracted Driver Campaign during the month of September, which saw enforcement numbers for distracted driving jump to 160 compared to 45 at the same time last year.
As for the Occupant Restraint Campaign, officers tallied 147 tickets and warnings in Northern B.C., up from 71 last year.
BCHP said staffing levels, good weather, and a lower number of serious fatalities during the month may have played a role in the higher numbers, but driver behaviour is likely the most important factor.
It adds drivers shouldn’t start their car until everyone’s belted in, and to put phones out of reach before hitting the ignition.
