The Impact of Distracted Driving
Every decision behind the wheel carries lifelong consequences. Most people don’t anticipate accidents, especially when they consider themselves careful and competent drivers. Yet, just a momentary distraction or lapse into ‘autopilot’ can lead to an accident.
Having conversations about distracted driving before tragedy strikes is the first step towards not only protecting your Insurance premiums, but most importantly keeping each other safe.
DISTRACTED DRIVING STATISTICS IN 2022:
- Drivers who text are 8 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near crash compared to non-distracted drivers.
- Distracted driving is causing more collisions than impaired driving.
- Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 90KM/hr that is like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
- In 2022, there were almost 14,000 convictions for distracted driving in Alberta.
TIPS TO HELP CURB DISTRACTED DRIVING HABITS:
- Do not use a handheld or hands free cell-phone while driving.
- Put your phone on silent and out of reach.
- Enable Do Not Disturb on your phone.
- Find a safe and legal place to pull over and stop if you need to make a call or text.
- Do no read printed material, write, enter info on GPS, or attempt personal grooming while driving.
In addition to a costly ticket and 3 demerit points, your insurance can be highly affected by a distracted driving conviction; whether that be the insurance company limiting physical damage coverage, issuing higher deductibles, or applying surcharges.
For more detailed information on distracted driving from the province of Alberta, click on the following link: https://www.alberta.ca/distracted-driving.aspx
At the end of the day, everyone has the same goal for themselves and loved ones – arrive at their destination safely. Contact your broker to access our Distracted Driving Family Contract.