B.C. drivers ignore cellphone driving ban

One year after B.C.'s distracted driving law was implemented, police said they're catching too many drivers using hand-held cellphones while driving.

In 2010, police issued 32,000 tickets to distracted drivers provincewide. 

Distracted driving is a leading cause of fatal traffic accidents. It's blamed for one-third of all traffic-related deaths in B.C.

In Vancouver, police said distracted driving is a factor in 48 per cent of all traffic fatalities.

RCMP Insp. Norm Gaumont said drivers have got to start obeying the law.   

"I think we need to educate the public and that's why we are here today, and get that message out and to say you know what, you can't multi-task. You may think you can, but I've yet to see anybody who can do it properly," he said. "And number two, the law has been in place for a year now and I think we need to review it and say is it stiff enough?"

Police warned they plan to step up their enforcement of illegal cellphone use in February.

Anyone caught driving and talking on a hand-held phone or electronic device can expect a $167 fine. Drivers caught texting or emailing can also be subject to three points against their driving licence.

B.C. drivers are allowed to talk and drive if they use a hands-free device.