In a recent Ipsos Reid survey conducted for the ICBC, almost all drivers recognized distracted driving has led to an increase in crashes and phone use, especially texting, while driving is risky.
However, more than one-third of drivers admitted to using their phone at least one out of every 10 trips.
Approximately 960 crashes occur every day in British Columbia, many of these caused by distracted or inattentive driving. Every year, on average, 30 people are killed in distracted driving-related crashes in the Southern Interior.
This month, drivers will be hearing one united message: take a break from your phone when you’re behind the wheel.
Police across B.C. are ramping up distracted driving enforcement in September, and community volunteers are conducting Cell Watch deployments to remind drivers to take a break from their phone when driving.
The campaign will feature new TV and radio advertising, as well as digital and social media campaigns.
“The law is clear: you must leave your phone alone when operating a vehicle,” says Police Chief Neil Dubord, chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee.
“This includes when you’re stopped at a light or in heavy traffic. Police will be out in full force this month reminding you to put your phone away when you’re behind the wheel.”
Free “not while driving” decals are available at ICBC driver licensing offices and participating Autoplan broker offices.
This will help drivers can their support and encourage other road users to follow their example.
Distracted driving is the second leading contributing factor in traffic fatalities, behind speed and ahead of impaired driving.
Distracted driving contributes to more than one in four deaths on B.C. roads.
“It’s impossible to multi-task while driving without greatly increasing your chance of crashing,” says Dr. Ian Pike, executive director of Preventable.
“It takes about 4.6 seconds to send a text message — that’s like driving with your eyes closed for an entire city block. The majority of all injuries are predictable and preventable, and this is especially true with distracted driving.
“Leave your phone alone!”
editorial@accjournal.ca
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