Driver distraction

It is illegal to use hand-held devices while driving. 

Driving requires your full attention. Distractions cause us to react more slowly, and they can cause accidents. Studies show that a significant percentage of collisions are the result of distracted driving. Driver distraction is a factor in 8 out of 10 – about 4 million – car crashes each year. 

The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) and the Strategy to Reduce Impaired Driving (STRID) have developed the following definition of driver distraction: 

“Distracted driving is the diversion of attention from driving, as a result of the driver focusing on a non-driving object, activity, event, or person. This diversion reduces awareness, decision-making, or performance leading to increased risk of driver-error, near-crashes, or crashes. The diversion of attention is not attributable to a medical condition, alcohol/drug use and/or fatigue.” 

Telephone calls: You cannot make or take calls when driving unless your telephone is hands-free or single-touch. If there is an emergency, you can call 911. Only while driving a police, fire or ambulance vehicle are you allowed to make or take a call. 

• Texting: You are not allowed. Ever. 
• Portable GPS: You can look at your GPS screen, but you cannot program or handle it. 
• MP3 or other entertainment devices: You can handle built-in devices. If you have a portable device plugged in while you drive, you can listen, but you cannot touch. 
• Display screen: If it is built into your vehicle, it is fine. Otherwise, you cannot have it in your view. 
• Two-way radio: You can use a two-way radio if driving for commercial purposes or driving a commercial vehicle (a bus or vehicle with gross mass of 4,500 kg or more), or involved in an emergency operation or search-and-rescue. 

Drivers who violate the legislation can be fined $340.50 and lose five points from their licence. 

Distracted driving is dangerous and has become a serious threat to public health and safety. Countless accidents are reported daily as a result of distracted driving. Drivers talking on cellphones are in many cases just as impaired as drunk drivers. Remember, it only takes a second. 

• Leave prepared. Read maps, program your GPS and adjust your seat, climate controls and other devices before you leave. 
• Focus on the road. Studies show that drivers who talk on a cellphone lose about 50% of what is going on around them, visually, and are four times more likely to get into a crash. 
• Ask your passenger(s) for help. If you are travelling with someone else and your cellphone rings, ask them to take the call for you. They can also help by adjusting controls on devices. 
• Pull over in a safe place if you must care for children, make a call or have something to eat or drink. 
• Let it go to voice mail. Better yet, turn the cellphone off to avoid the temptation to pick it up. Let voice mail do its job and call back later when it is safe to do so. 
• Avoid intense, complicated or emotional conversations when driving. 
• If you feel sleepy, find a safe place to pull over and rest.