Distracted Driving 

In Alberta:
On January 1, 2016, the penalty for drivers caught with distracted driving was changed to a $287 fine plus three demerit points.

According to Alberta transportation statistics in 2019, 6,248 tickets were issued to age group 35 years to 44 years. This figure is almost double in comparison to any other age group.  Drivers are 23 times more likely to be in a crash or near crash when texting, & 4 – 5 times more likely if talking on the phone. Drivers take their eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds per text—at 90 km/h, that’s the length of a football field. (Source: Virginia Tech)

How can we avoid being distracted?

1. DO NOT Disturb feature: - This feature if turned on sends a text to whoever is trying to reach you “I am driving with DO NOT Disturb While Driving Turned on. I’ll see your message when I get where I’m going.” No notification will distract you.

2. No vibration on silent: - The temptation to pick up your phone comes in the picture as soon as it buzzes. If it won’t buzz, you won't get distracted.

3. Please don’t keep it too far from the driving seat; it needs to be in driver’s reach so you can call for help in case of emergency.

When driving, the following actions are considered a distraction:

• Using hand-held phones

• Texting

• Emailing

• Reading

• Writing

• Self-grooming/ Make-up

• Typing in GPS co-ordinates while behind the wheel

 

Distracted Driving Does Not Include: Chatting with passengers, drinking beverages such as a coffee, water or pop, listening to music that has already been pre-loaded. Proper understanding of the risks when driving, will help drivers to be safe for life. Be a Safe driver to not only pass your road test and but also retain all your good habits for Life. 

 

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