According to a recent report by Hellosafe.ca, distracted driving deaths have increased by 36% in two years in Ontario.
Distracted driving refers to any action that takes the driver's attention away from the road, causing them to let go of the wheel and divert attention from driving.
In Ontario, distracted driving is responsible for 18% of all road fatalities.
In 2022 alone, 105 Ontarians died as a result of distracted drivers, compared to 348 deaths across Canada.
This unfortunate phenomenon is not limited to distracted drivers alone, as fatalities also include other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
The consequences of distracted driving are devastating, and the trend is only increasing.
Nationally, distracted driving is the second biggest cause of traffic deaths after speeding.
In 2021, it was estimated that 1,768 Canadians lost their lives in fatal collisions, and distracted driving was responsible for 19.7% of these deaths.
In comparison, speed was responsible for 24.7% of fatal collisions, and environmental factors caused 18% of fatalities.
All Canadian provinces have legislative measures in the form of fines, demerits, and license suspensions to punish distracted driving.
Ontario has some of the strictest penalties, with distracted Ontarians facing a minimum fine of $616 for a violation.
It is important to note that distracted driving is more than just texting. The sources of distraction are multiple and can be visual, manual, cognitive, and auditory. Distracted driving is any action that takes the driver's attention away from the road, and it can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
In conclusion, distracted driving is a growing problem in Ontario and across Canada.
It is responsible for a significant number of road fatalities, and the trend is only increasing.
Hence, it is important for all drivers to prioritize safety and avoid any distractions while driving.
