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Distracted driving remains a major driving safety issue among Canadians, a new Desjardins survey has found.
The insurer conducted its survey in March 2018, polling 3,020 people across Canada. While the survey gathered data on all forms of distracted driving, Desjardins put emphasis on smartphone-related distracted driving – an issue the insurer believes can be addressed through encouraging better driver behavior.
The survey found that 8 in 10 respondents (79%) said they regularly see other drivers using a smartphone while driving. Despite the alarming frequency in spotting drivers busy with their phones, only 38% admit to having driven distracted at least once, while another 21% admitted to using their phone while driving within the past year.
Desjardins found that smartphone-related distracted driving is more pronounced with younger drivers. Eleven per cent (11%) of drivers aged 16-24 admit to driving while using their phones on a regular basis – twice the national average, at 5%.
When asked what they used their smartphones for while driving, a third of the respondents said they used their phones for GPS apps as the primary reason. Notably, 45% of drivers aged 16-24 said they used GPS apps, compared to 22% of the 55-74 age group.
Other non-smartphone distractions identified by respondents included the external environment (51%), focusing on passengers or children in the vehicle (35%), changing settings on the vehicle’s entertainment system (35%) and eating or drinking (31%).
Desjardins found that the biggest deterrent to distracted driving were consequences – particularly penalties for those caught driving while using their phones. Fifty-five per cent (55%) said they were most concerned about fines and the risk of getting higher insurance rates, compared to 37% saying the risk of a motor collision would make them more likely to stop distracted driving.
Although drivers are aware of the financial penalties of getting caught driving while using their phones, 68% said that the current laws are not effective enough to deter violators.
“Canadians know that distracted driving is a risk factor on the road. But we need to send the message that it’s an extremely dangerous behaviour that puts you, your passengers and every road user at risk,” commented Desjardins General Insurance Group president and chief operating officer Denis Dubois. “It’s why we launched this campaign to generate awareness and educate drivers to stop this dangerous activity.”
