February 2011 is the first anniversary of the cell phone/distracted driving law, and the
RCMP felt it was time to re-enforce to the public the issue of driving while distracted.
Over 30 per cent of the deaths on British Columbia roads in 2010 were related to cell phone use either talking or texting. That’s close to 100 people killed across the province.
This month, traffic units will be putting a concerted effort into an enforcement campaign as the use of cell phones has increased dramatically since the law was introduced and studies/surveys are showing 95 per cent of drivers are aware of the law.
Between Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, the 100 Mile House RCMP detachment responded to 77 calls.
Threats uttered
On Jan. 29, police responded to a report of threats being uttered through an online medium to a youth.
Investigation revealed that it may have been done in jest; however, it was taken seriously by both the victim and the 100 Mile House RCMP. The suspect and the guardian were spoken to, and both agreed to monitor online activities.
Sloshed sledder
On Jan. 28, during routine patrol a 100 Mile House RCMP member observed a snowmobile travelling on a public road at a high rate of speed with neither driver nor passenger wearing helmets.
A vehicle stop was initiated, and it was determined that the driver was intoxicated by alcohol. The snowmobile was impounded, the driver was charged under the Motor Vehicle Act, and the RCMP drove both parties home.
Sticky fingers
On Jan. 28, police received a report of two youth shoplifters from a local business on Birch Avenue.
Through the investigation, it was learned that approximately $200 in items were stolen from several local 100 Mile House businesses. Drug paraphernalia was also located on one of the suspects and seized by the RCMP. The investigation is ongoing.
Runaway caught
On Jan. 26, a report of a single-vehicle incident on Highway 97 in Lac la Hache was reported to the 100 Mile House RCMP detachment.
The driver then left the scene on foot, and was later located by the investigating officers. The male was determined to be intoxicated, and was subsequently arrested.
Charges are pending.
Auto theft
On Jan. 25, a vehicle was stolen from the 100 Mile House area.
During that investigation, another vehicle of similar
style, a full-sized pickup was located nearby, and determined to be stolen out of Kelowna the previous day.
The stolen vehicle from 100 Mile House was recovered Jan. 30 near Kamloops.
Seatbelt
infraction
During a routine patrol on Jan. 24, a
100 Mile House RCMP member located a male not wearing his seatbelt.
During the investigation, it was learned he was also a prohibited driver.
Charges are pending.