Kamloops drivers are under scrutiny this fall as BC Highway Patrol reports alarming numbers of distracted driving and seatbelt infractions across Central B.C., with the region—particularly Kamloops—leading the province in tickets handed out during a month-long enforcement campaign.

According to a press release issued today, 285 distracted driving tickets and 162 seatbelt-related infractions were issued in Central B.C. during September’s Distracted Driving and Occupant Restraint Month—more than any other region in the province.

Corporal Michael McLaughlin, Media Relations Officer with BC Highway Patrol, says the high numbers are not just about enforcement presence, but reflect a troubling lack of attention to basic road safety. “Clearly, a lot of people are addicted to their phones,” McLaughlin told Radio NL’s Jeff Andreas in a recent interview. “They’re not getting the message. You really need to smarten up and focus on your driving.”

The fine for using an electronic device while driving is $368, but the consequences go far beyond a ticket. McLaughlin emphasized that distracted driving remains one of the top three causes of fatal collisions in B.C., consistently competing with impaired driving for second place—behind speeding. “A lot of people who are distracted are also speeding. That compounds the issue,” McLaughlin said. “Driving is a complex task. You really need to focus on what you’re doing to stay safe.”

Kamloops is also seeing a worrying trend when it comes to seatbelt usage, or lack thereof. Despite decades of public education, 162 tickets were handed out last month in Central B.C. for failing to wear seatbelts or properly restrain passengers—again, the highest total in the province. “It’s free. It’s really easy to do. It’s not inconvenient. And it will literally save your life,” said McLaughlin. “Modern safety features in your car won’t work if you’re not wearing your seatbelt.”

The fine for failing to wear a seatbelt is $167, and many offences come with additional points on your licence. Infractions include failing to properly secure children, using inappropriate booster seats, or neglecting to wear a belt altogether.

Halloween Warnings as Roads Get Riskier

With Halloween just weeks away and daylight hours shrinking, police are urging drivers to take extra caution. Kids in dark costumes, poor weather, and increased pedestrian activity make this time of year particularly dangerous. “Even on a familiar road, what you have to be ready for is something unpredictable,” said McLaughlin. “That child jumping into the road or someone running a red light—you have to be alert all of the time.”

Superintendent Mike Coyle of BC Highway Patrol echoed that message. “If we can get fewer people to drive while distracted, and more people to wear their seatbelts, then we will save more lives. We’ll keep writing tickets for those who don’t obey the law, but the real goal is public safety.”

Enforcement Totals from September Campaign

Distracted Driving Tickets ($368 fine):

• Central BC (Kamloops, Kelowna, Merritt): 285
• South Coast: 212
• Kootenays: 116
• Vancouver Island: 76
• Northern BC: 45
• Total: 734

Seatbelt & Occupant Restraint Offences ($167 fine and points):

• Central BC: 162
• Northern BC: 71
• Vancouver Island: 79
• South Coast: 86
• Kootenays: 58
• Total: 456

A Simple Message: Put the Phone Down. Buckle Up.

BC Highway Patrol hopes these numbers serve as a wake-up call to Kamloops drivers—and all motorists across the province—as enforcement continues and traffic volumes rise leading into the fall and winter months. “You’re making yourself unsafe. You’re making your loved ones unsafe,” McLaughlin said. “One of the simplest things you can do to survive a crash is just put on your seatbelt.”