It was out of concern that Saanich resident Brent D’Argis snapped a photo of a bus driver on Thursday.
D’Argis says he was travelling on the #31 bus, ready to get off at Uptown when he stood up and waited near the front door. That’s where he says he saw the e-reader sitting on the window sill beside the BC Transit bus driver.
“It appeared clearly that he drives with the e-reader on, and glances down at it at red lights,” D’Argis said. “I told him he can’t do that, it’s distracted driving, and he tried to tell me he’s exempt because he’s a bus driver.”
D’Argis published the photo on Twitter, which he took at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday. He also shared it with BC Transit and Saanich Police, who each launched an investigation.
“If anyone else was to do that we’d get a huge fine,” D’Argis said. “It just blew me away that a driver would do that.”
Saanich Police told D’Argis they take the matter seriously.
“Saanich Police Traffic Safety Unit has an open investigation in regards to allegations of distracted driving by a BC Transit driver,” said Const. Damian Kowalewich. “We’re speaking to the complainant and speaking to all parties. We’re aware of the photograph and everything will be looked at as part of the investigation.”
BC Transit released a response on Friday.
“We have received a complaint and we are following up with an internal investigation. We expect our employees to respect the Motor Vehicle Act, and we take complaints seriously as safely is our top priority.”
Kowaliech said Saanich Police continues its commitment to enforce and educate the public in regards to the ‘still new’ distracted driving legislation.
“It’s an ongoing issue with motorists in Saanich, and we are committed to making the roads safer.”