Distracted driving is linked to more collisions on Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-patrolled roads so far this year than speeding and drug or alcohol (or both) related collisions combined.
In this calendar year, driver distraction has been reported as the primary cause in 6,360 road collisions. In contrast, speed was the primary cause of 4,700 crashes, while 1,158 of the incidents involved a driver who consumed alcohol or drugs.
A total of 47 people have died so far this year because of an inattentive driver, up from 39 such deaths at this time in 2016.
With children and other students taking to the streets and being bused to school beginning next week, the need for motorists to pay full attention to driving – and for others to take a firm stand against drivers who are not — has never been greater.
OPP Commissioner Hawkes says that these tragedies will continue unless distracted driving practices are ended. Hawkes adds that the responsibility is shared among passengers, drivers, and the general public.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- As a driver, keep your cell phone out of sight. If you need to use it, pull over at a safe location.
- As a passenger, speak up and voice your concerns about your safety when travelling with a distracted driver. By ignoring the problem, you are contributing to the problem.
- Spread the word at your school or workplace about the dangers of distracted driving.
- Highlight the dangers of distracted driving on social media.
- Be a voice in your community.
