The results of a Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) audit suggests drivers in Portage are largely using seatbelts, and avoiding cell phone use behind the wheel.

RCMP Cst. Sean O'Keefe says COPP Portage was set up at the intersection of 18th St. and Saskatchewan Ave. this past weekend, observing passing motorists for seatbelt use and distracted driving. Out of 1,859 vehicles audited, only 24 were seen using phones while driving, and 40 not using seatbelts -- a combined rate of about 3.5 per cent non-compliance.

"I think that's a pretty good indication that people are becoming more aware that you have to wear your seatbelt, and remaining focused on the road and keeping the phone away," O'Keefe says. "Those numbers are a good indicator of that. But we'd love to see zero for the non-compliance rate. We'd love to see nobody on their cell phone, and everybody with their seatbelt on."

"We want to try and make sure everyone's aware it's the safest way to drive."

O'Keefe notes it's up to drivers to make the right decisions to help keep roads safe, especially when it comes to distracted driving.

"Distracted driving, next to impaired driving, is a leading cause of preventable collisions here in Manitoba, and across the country," explains O'Keefe. "It's the choice of the driver to drive distracted. Putting your phone down, and keeping it in your pocket, is a choice a driver can easily make."