When it comes to cellphones, police have heard it all.
From backseat lawmakers to rationalizers, officers get a whole range of excuses when they pull over drivers for breaking B.C.s new handheld electronics laws while behind the wheel. ICBC has compiled a list of the top 10 reasons given in September, when police issued more than 3,500 tickets as part of a month-long enforcement campaign.
The top excuse was directed at the legistlation itself, from drivers who felt the law was bogus. Others said they had to take the call: It was their boss on the phone, or in at least one case, a wedding planner. It was an emergency, they explained.
Others insisted the law shouldnt apply, because they were stopped at a red light, while others claimed not to be using the phone, only holding it or checking the time.
Police even heard people say: I didnt see you trying to pull me over because I was on my phone.
Twenty-five per cent of crashes are caused by distraction, including drivers using handheld electronics, according to ICBC.
Driving while using a handheld device is illegal in B.C., though hands-free phones are still allowed.
For the full list of excuses, check www.icbc.com.
