Police in Kamloops gave out 98 tickets last Friday as part of Distracted Driving Month.

Sixty-four were for people using an electronic device while driving, while 19 were for people not wearing a seatbelt.

Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says distracted driving is the second leading cause of fatal collisions in BC.

“Distracted driving can be anything where your attention is taken away from your ability to drive,” she said. “Using your GPS or having a dog in the front seat that distracts your attention, anything like that.”

“Most likely that we find people using their electronic devices, specificially their cell phone.”

The checks last Friday were on Lansdowne Street and Columbia Street, and Shelkie noted some people don’t seem to be getting the message.

“Quite on par with what previous blitzes have showed us that there are still a lot of people using their cellphones while driving,” she noted. “It’s really surprising the number of people that don’t wear seatbelts because it has been the law for decades now.”

“The safety aspect of it is huge. People have to always wear their seatbelts for whatever distance they are going.”

As part of Distracted Driving Month, Shelkie says there will be more such blitzes all through the month.

The first offence for distracted driving can cost a driver up to $543 – that’s including the fine and points added to the driving record, while insurance costs may also be affected.

The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $167.

List of Infractions:

• Use electronic device (cell phones)  – 64 tickets / 3 warnings
• Fail to wear seatbelt – 19
• Fail to produce DL – 1
• Driving Prohibition issued – 1
• Fail to Display ‘N’ Sign – contrary to restriction – 3
• Drive without consideration – 1 warning
• Fail to change insurance decal – 1 warning
• Fail to signal turn – 1 warning
• Fail to stop red light- 1
• No Insurance – 1
• Speed inside Municipality – 1
• Defective Vehicle – 1