Distracted driving can be just as hazardous as driving under the influence, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). You’re also 23 times more likely to crash if you text and drive. A recent study determined that almost 80 per cent of all collisions involved some form of driver inattention, and you’re 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash if you’re texting while driving.
Almost three out of four Canadians admit to driving distracted, despite these shocking statistics.
While there is a lot of news coverage about the dangers of texting while driving, distracted driving is more than using a mobile device.
Distracted driving is anything that takes your focus off the road which could potentially cause an accident.
In Ontario, there are specific laws for holding a mobile device while driving. However, other distracting activities can result in a careless or even a dangerous driving charge.
Distracting activities can include:
- Eating or drinking
- Reading a map or using a GPS device
- Playing with the radio
- Looking at scenery or gawking at a car accident
- Searching for an item in your vehicle
- Checking yourself in a mirror or any grooming activities
- Engaging with passengers in a distracting manner
Commit to distraction-free driving with two simple tips:
- Only use blue tooth enabled mobile devices while driving.
- ALWAYS keep one-hundred percent of your focus on the road.
The penalties and consequences for distracted driving are simply not worth the risk. Be sure to have a discussion with your loved ones about distracted driving.
For more information, please visit the
Ontario Ministry of Transportation website.