Some drivers not getting the message on cellphone law

NEWS — Some people are on call waiting when it comes to the law on using cell phones while driving.

During June, Kamloops Speed Watch volunteers using portable radar equipment and electronic digital boards monitored 30,415 vehicles in high visibility locations, and 636 in parks and school zones. The electronic boards provide a read-out to passing motorists registering their speed so they know if they’re breaking the speed limit.

In high visibility locations, 3,454 rivers were clocked going more than 10 km/h over the speed limit. Twenty-five were doing the same thing in parks and school zones, “keeping in mind schools closed early” due to the teachers’ strike, said bylaw services supervisor John Ramsay.

And, 17 drivers were seen illegally using their cell phones. Speed Watch only collects data and doesn’t use police to go after speeders or cellphone users to ticket them, so it’s simply an indication that drivers ignoring the speed limits and cellphone laws need to pay attention.