A group of Kelowna businesses has come together to keep Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 roads safer, launching an online pledge and contest at mydrivingpledge.com.

Distracted driving is becoming a higher risk every year for residents in the Southern Interior. These local businesses are hoping the incentive of winning a 91裸聊视频渟afe driving91裸聊视频� prize will motivate drivers to pledge to make Kelowna roads safer.

91裸聊视频淚f we don91裸聊视频檛 see a change in driving patterns, this year we91裸聊视频檒l see more than 30 people die in a fatal crash because someone picked up their cell phone when at the wheel,91裸聊视频� said Pat Rosen, owner of Kelowna Cycle, who has made it his priority to be an advocate for safer roads.

ICBC reports an average of 140 injured cyclists in car crashes each year in the Southern Interior.

91裸聊视频淲e all share the road,91裸聊视频� said Rosen, who has offered up a $500 gift certificate to his cycle store as a pledge prize.

Failing to yield the right of way is one of the leading causes of crashes that result in injuries or deaths (ICBC Statistics). Intersections are hot spots for crashes 91裸聊视频� they91裸聊视频檙e busy locations where cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles need to cross paths and share space. ICBC named Harvey and Spall Road as the number one crash intersection in the Southern Interior.

91裸聊视频淎s Kelowna grows and our streets get busier with more people driving, cycling and walking around the city, it91裸聊视频檚 important for everyone to take a moment to think carefully about safety,91裸聊视频� said Mayor Colin Basran. 91裸聊视频淧eople need to educate themselves about the rules of the road and commit to follow them.91裸聊视频�

The prizes to spur involvement in making the pledge are valued at just under $2,000.

The Valley91裸聊视频檚 leading insurance company, Capri Insurance, is offering up a dash camera that can provide footage of an accident related claim. Andre91裸聊视频檚 Electronic Experts has donated a Bluetooth compatible Kenwood audio deck and Kelowna Performance Collision a travel voucher. Kelowna Mercedes Benz is also putting its weight behind the driving pledge by offering a luxury Taylor Made golf bag.

The driving pledge comes in advance of the new fines for distracted driving. Beginning June 1, a first offense will cost drivers $543 in financial penalties. Kelowna RCMP is also in the midst of a rollout of new distracted driving scopes, capable of spotting drivers who may be texting or on the phone from up to 1.2 km away.

Last year during May long weekend enforcement, RCMP in B.C. handed out 199 tickets for using an electronic device while driving.

91裸聊视频淵ou91裸聊视频檙e five times more likely to crash if you91裸聊视频檙e on the phone 91裸聊视频� is just not worth a life,91裸聊视频� said Rosen. 91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檙e hoping by making the campaign makes a real difference in making roads safer for all us.91裸聊视频�

Winners will be chosen before the July long weekend. Drivers can share safety messages at mydrivingpledge.com until June 28.