Don't be driven to distraction

Driver distraction is a factor in about 4 million motor vehicle crashes in North America each year.

What are the chances?

Drivers who are engaged in the following distractions are X times more likely to be in crash or near-crash event compared with non-distracted drivers

• Text messaging 23x
• Talking on a cell phone 4-5x
• Reading 3x
• Personal grooming 3x
• Reaching for a moving object 9x
• Dialing on a hand-held device 3x

Did you know?

All provinces, along with Yukon Territory and Northwest Territories, have some form of cell phone or distracted driving legislation in place.

A fighter pilot* has about 300 items to keep track of during a regular flying mission
* in a non-combat scenario.

The average driver has about 3,000 things* to keep track of when driving during rush hour
* including pedestrians, lights, signs, passengers, road conditions, construction, other vehicles, cell phones, and objects on the road.

Allow plenty of travel time

Tips to eliminate or minimize distractions

• Familiarize yourself with the route and directions.
• Set your radio station or music device prior to driving.
• Pre-program your route on your GPS device.
• Listen to your GPS device; don't look at it.
• Put any reading materials or distracting objects away in the trunk.
• Allow calls to go to voicemail. If you must make or take a call, pull over and park at a safe location.
• Do not eat, drink, groom, or smoke.
• Avoid emotional or stressful conversations while driving.
• Keep your eyes and mind on the road.
• Keep two hands on the wheel.

What can employers do to help?

• Establish a policy that prohibits workers from using cell phones and similar devices while operating a company vehicle or operating their own vehicle while on company business.
• Ensure work schedules are established that allow employees to focus on driving and not their work while operating a vehicle.
• Install hands-free electronic device capability on company-owned devices.
• Instruct workers to have a voicemail message that indicates they are driving and cannot respond to calls.
• Educate workers on the risks of distracted driving.

Reduce the risk – No devices while driving