A new survey has found one in three (32 per cent) Ontarians admit to driving distracted because of their mobile devices, and the number one reason for not focusing on the road is because someone called.
The Ipsos survey was conducted for CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) and highlighted the top ten reasons for driving distracted.
“There is no excuse for driving distracted,” said Teresa Di Felice, Director Government and Community Relations, CAA SCO. “Making a phone call or sending a text message isn’t worth putting your life or someone else’s at risk.”
Top 10 reasons for driving distracted:
Someone has called (44 per cent)
- Emergency purposes (33 per cent)
- Have to get in touch with someone I am meeting (27 per cent)
- Someone has texted (26 per cent)
- Have to talk to spouse (21 per cent)
- Have to talk to parents (17 per cent)
- Able to multi-task (15 per cent)
- Use for work (11 per cent)
- Bored at red light (11 per cent)
- Have to talk to children (9 per cent)
Tips to reduce distractions behind the wheel:
- Turn off mobile devices
- Stow and secure loose objects
- Prepare children with everything they need
- Pre-set the climate control and radio
- Pre-program your route on GPS
- Allow phone calls to go to voicemail
- Don’t text, surf the web or read emails
- Avoid eating, drinking or smoking
In Ontario, it’s been illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using cell phones and other handheld devices since October 2009. Since September 1, 2015, drivers who are caught breaking the law face a minimum fine of $490, plus three demerit points upon conviction.
