Avoiding Driver Distractions

Distracted drivers are just as impaired as drunk drivers. It’s a fact.

The studies show …

Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers.

• Driver distraction is a factor in 8 out of 10 – about 4 million – car crashes in North America each year.
• Drivers talking on cellphones are in many cases just as impaired as drunk drivers.
• Experienced drivers are no better at handling the distraction of a cellphone than are novice drivers.

Not only is distracted driving potentially as dangerous as drunk driving; it is, in fact, much more common.

In 2006, an IBC-commissioned public opinion survey found that:

• 89% of Canadians were very or somewhat concerned about driver distraction; but
• 60% of drivers would not agree to stop using their cellphones while driving, despite being told that cellphone use made them four times more likely to be involved in a collision.

How to prevent distractions from making you another accident statistic

• Avoid intense, complicated or emotional conversations when driving.
• Pull over to care for children.
• Adjust your seat, climate controls and other devices before pulling out.
• Ask your passengers to help navigate or adjust controls.
• If you feel sleepy, find a safe place to pull over and rest.
• Turn off your cellphone or pull over in a safe place if you must take a call.
• Stop to eat or drink.
• Read maps, and check traffic and exits before you leave so you’re prepared.
• Teach teens to limit distractions while driving.

Next time you feel you have to make that call, change that CD, or put a DVD on for the kids, consider that a car going 100 km/h travels about 90 feet in one second. When you take your eyes off the road for even a second, a lot can happen. Tragedy can happen. Just drive!

Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada Call The Personal for a quote on your home and auto insurance at 1 888 476-8737 visit them online.