The Prince George RCMP’s Traffic Services Section is attempting to reduce the number of driving-related deaths by tackling the issue of distracted driving.

The month-long campaign was initially supposed to start on March 1.

But due to a large number of distracted drivers in the area, Traffic Services officers decided to begin the campaign on Feb. 1.

It is set to conclude on March 31.

During enforcement checks, police will be looking for drivers that are distracted from the road.

This includes the hand held use of cell phones, reading or allowing pets to sit on your lap.

According to RCMP, you are five times more likely to crash if you are using a hand-held phone.

"Many people still choose to use their phone while driving in our community," says Sgt. Matt LaBelle, of the Prince George RCMP's Traffic Services Section.  "Our hope is that drivers do the right thing and leave the phone alone."

RCMP would like to remind the public that there are rarely messages that are so important that you need to endanger yourself and others.

Drivers are advised to use hands-free devices or to pull over and park safely before using a cell phone.

During February, the following violation tickets were issued under the BC Motor Vehicle Act:

• 46 tickets for using a cell phone while driving
• five tickets for driving while the view or vehicle controls are obstructed (this includes pets on laps & cargo blocking the front window);
• 56 tickets for failing to wear a seatbelt;
• 34 tickets for intersection-related violations;
• four tickets for driving without due care and attention.

Four people were also charged with driving while prohibited, which resulted in a court date and vehicle seizure for a minimum of seven days.

Each distracted driving violation results in $543 for first-time offenders.

Offenders could pay up to $888 for each subsequent offence.

Click here for more information on ICBC’s Distracted Driver campaign.