Don't drive inTEXTicated: Reducing incidents caused by mobile phones

The use of mobile phones by drivers has remained prevalent in British Columbia despite the government’s best attempts to reduce distracted driving behaviours through legislation, penalties and awareness campaigns. This high-risk behaviour can cause serious or fatal injuries and has been recognized by the World Health Organization as a global problem. This study explores the problem through case studies and interviews with key stakeholders and experts. It describes the multi-pronged approach that is needed to tackle the issue, including engineering, education and enforcement, and focuses on policy options that are feasible for the BC government to implement. This study recommends implementing a sliding-scale fine, which is expected to improve the targeting of high-risk drivers, address inequities faced by low-income drivers, and act as an overall deterrent for all drivers. Additionally, this study recommends engineering roundabouts in high traffic areas as a longer-term recommendation to indirectly alter driver behaviour.