We have all seen people driving erratically while talking on their phones, people texting or checking their e-mail at red lights.

Each year in British Columbia, there are about 117 deaths and a further 1,400 accidents involving hospitalization that can be directly attributed to distracted drivers.

Communication technology has made it easier for people to deal with issues as they arise, doing business on the go.

Hand-held devices have changed how we think about work and play, allowing more flexibility in our workday which has led to more multitasking.

As a result, the rate of accidents caused by using mobile communication devices while driving has increased rapidly. That is why I am pleased to see the implementation of Bill 15, the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2009.

Cracking down on distracted drivers will help increase public safety, alleviate stress on our medical system and help maintain low ICBC Insurance rates. The new legislation applies regulations to hand held electronic devices which include cell phones, Blackberries, portable gaming devices, GPS devices, PDAs, pagers, IPods and other portable music devices.

As of Jan. 1, 2010, texting, e-mailing and GPS programing while driving are all practices that will be an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act amendments.

Fines will be $167 per incident and drivers caught texting, reading or sending emails may be subject to an additional three penalty points over and above the $167 fine.

For new drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program, the three points and $167 fine will apply automatically to all infractions under the act.

Hands-free cell phones and other hands-free electronic devices that require one touch to operate and are securely attached or built in to the vehicle will be exempt from these changes.

Please note these exemptions will not apply to new drivers in the graduated licensing program. Additionally, two way radios for industry use will be exempt, as will emergency vehicles and calls to 911.

Distracted driving is not only dangerous to the safety of the driver; it is also a danger to everyone else sharing the road. We all share the road and depend upon each other to pay attention and ensure each other’s safety by following the rules.

As society grows and changes, so do our policies. That is why our government is re-evaluating how we allocate funds and services in all sectors to ensure the best value for our taxpayer dollars.

We are fortunate in the Okanagan where the Interior Health region is known for its excellent ability in managing its resources. Even though health funding in this province is increasing six per cent per year over the next three years, a total of $220 million, our health region still needs to reprioritize its spending.

Health care is a priority for our government with 45 cents out of every dollar going to provide health services in British Columbia. We all need to make responsible choices and to take personal responsibility for our role the common good.

Taking advantage of the 811 tele-health call-in number to get 24/7 health information will help take away some of the pressure on our emergency rooms.

Also, the H1N1 vaccine is now available to those at high risk: individuals under 65 years of age with chronic disease, pregnant women and individuals—including First Nations people—living in remote or isolated communities. Everyone who needs and wants the H1N1 vaccine will be able to receive it.

For more information on the H1N1 flu vaccine, visit www.gov.bc.ca/h1n1. To find where you can get your H1N1 and/or seasonal flu shot, visit the flu clinic locator at www.ImmunizeBC.ca or contact your local public health unit.

Ben Stewart is the Liberal MLA for Westside-Kelowna.