Squeegee-toting officers nab motorists on cellphones

RCMP traffic officers were toting squeegees in Moncton Tuesday as part of an unusual undercover cellphone sting.

Officers were dressed in plainclothes, posing as people who wanted to wash motorists’ windshields but really, they wanted to catch people who were driving while talking on the phone, said Codiac Regional RCMP Cpl. Sylvain LeBlanc.

LeBlanc explained the undercover spotter would radio ahead to uniformed officers, who wrote the tickets.

Cst. Damien Theriault said the sting is effective.

"It is the best way for us to apply that traffic rule so that's why our members are doing it this way."

At least 50 motorists were ticketed within a few hours and some of them were repeat offenders, said LeBlanc.

The minimum fine is $172.50.

"We've really got to get the strong message out there that it's not permitted," said LeBlanc.

"And they're not going to be issued warnings either. They're going to be charged if they keep insisting on using their phones, or their iPod, or MP3 player or whatever else they use at the wheel."

Many drivers told CBC News they think going undercover to catch other motorists on the phone is a good thing.

"Whatever it takes to actually start to force people to pay attention, I think it's about time," driver Marcia said.

Another driver, John, said it acts as a deterrant, "It's sort of like cops that drive around in cars that aren't marked. So it's a deterrant," John said.

However some drivers don't feel the operation is enough to stop distracted drivers.

"Light cigarettes, change the radio stations, change CD's, it's all dangerous. It's all a part of driving, but when you get experienced driving, you know when to do it and when not to do it," driver David told CBC News.

Lynn Nason said the risk of accidents aren't worth it and wants all drivers to put away all distractions.

Nason's son was killed last year when the motorcycle he was driving was hit by a driver that failed to yield.

"I don't think it's worth it. I don't know where you would have to go or what phone call you would have to make, or text you would have to answer or read that could possibly be worth that kind of price," Nason said.

In Canada, 8 out of 10 car crashes a year are caused by distracted drivers, according to a government of New Brunswick website.

It's been nearly a year since New Brunswick has gone hands-free.

The traffic unit is trying new strategies to get motorists to put down their phones, said LeBlanc.

This was their third time going undercover, he said.

"We can't really do anything about it when we're working. And when we are working, they see us and they put their phones down. So, this is the right way to catch them and make sure they understand that it's not permitted."

Moncton lawyer Scott Fowler said there's nothing that says police can't try creative tactics.

"They're permitted to use various tricks, disguises, whatever they think is appropriate, in order to apprehend or conduct an investigation with respect to offences," he said.

RCMP plan to conduct a similar sting every week throughout the summer using different disguises, LeBlanc said.