Canadian Legislative Issues

On June 16, 2015, the government of British Columbia opened a public consultation Website on tougher penalties for distracted driving linked to the use of devices such as cell phones while driving.

Overall, the government received more than 10,000 submissions and comments during the four-week long consultation, which has proven to be highly effective as British Columbians are very alarmed by this matter.

"British Columbians have clear and passionate views about all forms of distracted driving. They deserved to be heard, and I thank everyone who participated for their candor. Our government will carefully review their feedback and champion new, tougher approaches against distracted driving that are effective, defensible and fair. Over the past five years, police across B.C. have provided strong enforcement of our existing distracted driving laws, and we absolutely want to support their continued vigilance with any new measures we introduce," declared Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton.

In fact, most British Columbians agree on increasing the fines amounts and on tougher sanctions on the use of cell phones while driving.

In sum, as soon as RoadSafetyBC finalizes its analysis, it hopes to make recommendations to the government this fall. The province will most likely propose new measures by spring 2016, which could have a potential impact for NAFA members and other fleet managers.