Distracted Driving – Other Distractions
Distracted driving is the leading cause of collisions in Ontario. According to the Ontario Provincial Police, 2015 marked the third consecutive year that distracted driving exceeded all other categories for road deaths on OPP patrolled roads in Ontario. Last year alone, 69 people died due to distraction behind the wheel.
Distracted driving includes more than just the use of cell phones and GPS devices. It involves anything that takes your attention off the roadway. Common distractions identified by CAA include:
• Passengers and conversation
• Active passengers (animals or children)
• Personal communication devices
• Computers, information and navigation systems
• Listening to the radio
• Reading road/street signs and advertising
• Locating addresses (reading a map or directions)
• Smoking
• Personal grooming
• Eating and drinking
• Adjusting vehicle controls (AC, heat, music, etc.)
• Electronic comfort features
The Ontario government has taken highly publicized steps to address cell phone use in recent years. Less known are longstanding highway traffic laws which broadly ban all forms of distracted driving. These offences carry heavy fines and demerit points, and can lead to the suspension of your license.
Driving demands our full attention. Rather than view this as a burden, see it as a rare opportunity in our fast-moving world to disconnect and focus on a single task.
