DISTRACTED DRIVING KILLS.THE STATISTICS ARE ALARMING.
The numbers say that you are 23 times more likely to crash when texting and driving. You are also four times more likely to have an accident when talking on a hands-free device. There is only one solution to help save lives and to reduce injuries and that is to put the cell phone away before getting behind the wheel of a car.
- Did you know it's against the law to use a handheld device while driving in every province across Canada.
- Did you know that texting and driving has surpassed drinking and driving as the leading cause of death among teens while in vehicles.
WHAT COUNTS IS DISTRACTED DRIVING.
Things happen fast when you aren't focused on the road. Talking, texting, checking maps, trying to choose a playlist, using the GPS, all these count as distracted driving. Even eating and I know were all guilty of that. Chomping down can be extremely dangerous when you're behind the wheel.
By now you may have seen some of those frightening commercials were someone picks up the phone and the minute they pick up the phone they are suddenly in a serious auto accident. These government messages are impactful and graphic and cut right to the bone.
Ontario with the most drivers naturally may have the most severe penalties for distracted driving minimum fine $300 up to $1000 and three demerit points.
Since about the year 2000 deaths from collisions caused by distracted driving have doubled. More recent statistics actually shows that one person is injured in a distracted driving collision every half-hour. The driver using the phone is more than four times likely to crash than a driver focused on the road.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO AVOID OR WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TIPS.
- If it's seriously can't wait pullover
- You can groom those nose hairs at home and put the lipstick on in your bathroom mirror it's much better than your rearview mirror
- Some people are even putting sweaters on in your car and pulling it over there head. That split second of darkness could be fatal. So dress at home. Something falls from the console it may be better to be left there.
- This is a no-brainer. Which is to make sure that the kids are secure and the pets are not running loose. Tie them up if you have to. Make sure they are not bouncing around.
- adjuster seating and climate controls. All of these things need to be done before you step on the gas this.
- This is a tough, one stop munching, stop EATING. We are all guilty of this one.
- Get your favorite tunes ready before you drive.
- If you're going to use the cell phone don't do it while you're driving... pullover
Bethel Insurance Brokers is very proactive in helping our clients live safer lives. Send us an email with distracted line in the subject line. We will send you a free gift from Aviva Insurance to help promote awareness.