What is distracted driving?
When driving a car, your full attention should always be on the road. When a driver is distracted by another task, like texting, eating, talking on their cell phone, reading, or mapping directions, they cannot fully focus on driving.
As of 2015, it is against the law to use a hand-held device while driving a motor vehicle. If caught doing this, drivers face fines ranging from $490 to $1000. So, turn off the devices and focus on the road!
Distracted driving affects a driver’s:
- Awareness
- Performance
- Ability to make decisions
Distractions cause drivers to:
- React slower to traffic conditions and events
- Fail to notice potential hazards such as walkers, cyclists, or animals
Examples of distracted driving include:
- Talking on a cell phone (in- hand or hands- free)
- Texting
- Eating
- Smoking
- Putting on makeup
- Changing radio stations or cd/dvd
- Focusing on passengers and pets
- Reaching for items in your car
- Reading
- Thinking about an argument
Distracted Driving Facts
- Drivers who text and drive are 23 times more likely to crash.
- At 60 km per hour, a car will travel 50 meters, or half a football field in three seconds.
- Taking your eyes off the road for two seconds doubles your crash risk.
- Per mile driven, teens are four times more likely to be involved in a crash than other drivers.
- It’s illegal for drivers to text, type, email, dial, or chat. Driving requires your full attention.
Take the Pledge Against Distracted Driving Today
D.O.N.T - Drive Only, Never Text
Watch the following video showing young adults between 17 and 24 years of age, engaging in one of the above distractive driving behaviours:
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