The key to safe driving is to pay attention to the road – at all times – and to make sure passengers (and kids) are always properly buckled up. This section looks at the things that distract drivers and gives tips for how to be as safe as possible on the road.

Cell Phone Use and Other Driver Distractions

Talking on a cell phone while driving, even using a hands-free kit, takes a driver’s mind off the road. Studies have shown that using cell phones, significantly reduces a drivers attentiveness and their reaction times. Some UK studies have claimed that talking on a cell phone impairs a drivers judgment as much as being legally intoxicated. Click here for the results of a Canadian Survey of Cell Phone use by Drivers of Light Duty Vehicles 2006 – 2007.

Drinking and Driving

Driving is a serious responsibility and drivers should always be wide awake, in control and focused on the road. Alcohol and drugs change the way people think and behave, and drive, and this is a very dangerous combination. That’s why it’s illegal. Although despite harsher penalties and over 20yrs of education, drunk driving is still a serious problem on our roads.

Speeding

Speed is a contributing factor in most traffic collisions globally. In fact 40% of all single vehicle collisions are because the driver was speeding or driving too fast for road and weather conditions. Most drivers are unaware that even slightly increasing your speed will have a dramatic increase in your stopping distance. Please maintain responsible speeds while driving and stay within the posted speed limit. If road or weather conditions are poor, slow down.