Distracted Driving
Let’s talk about distracted driving. It’s your phone buzzing, the GPS and the morning coffee you just grabbed before rushing out the door. These distractions take your attention away from the road and can pose a serious threat to your safety—as well as the safety of those around you.
Statistics
Distracted driving takes your eyes, and mind, off the road. Here are some surprising statistics on distracted driving:
up to 8X
Drivers engaged in visual-manual interactions with cell phones (e.g., texting) are up to eight times as likely to be involved in a crash. (AAA, 2017)
#1
Canadians say that texting while driving is one of the biggest threats to their personal safety on the road. (CAA, 2018)
27%
27% of fatal crashes in BC were due to distraction. Police across Canada say that distracted driving has caused more collisions than impaired drivers. (ICBC, 2016)
33%
33% of Canadians admit they have texted while stopped at a red light, despite believing it is unacceptable. (CAA, 2016)
Tips on How to Avoid Distracted Driving
Distractions come in many forms. This is why it is important to always stay focused on the road. Take a look at our tips to avoid distractions and help keep our roads safe.
Distracted Driving Laws in Canada
Distracted driving is a national issue. As a result, all ten provinces and two of the three territories in Canada have some form of cell phone/distracted driving legislation in place.
Crash Odds
Drivers engaged in the following distractions are more likely to be in a crash or near crash event compared with non-distracted drivers.
Text messaging (texting) on a cell phone
up to 8X
more likely
Talking on a cell phone
up to 4X
more likely