It is still illegal to drive while texting, emailing or phoning with a handheld cellphone, and 91原创 RCMP will be reminding motorists of that fact this month.
February has been declared 鈥渄istracted driving awareness and enforcement month鈥 in B.C.
That means officers will be looking for drivers contravening the distracted driving regulations that took effect in January of last year.
On Feb. 14, the local detachment is planning a one-day blitz at high-collision locations throughout the 91原创s.
If you鈥檙e caught, it will cost you $167, which police point out is more than most bluetooth earpieces and other hands-free devices go for.
You are four times more likely to get into a crash if you use a handheld cell phone whole driving.
Statistics show that eight out of every 10 collisions are the result of distracted rivers, and one out of every two fatal crashes.
Police officers and firefighters are allowed to use handhelds in the line of duty.