Distracted driving is an unsafe, illegal, and high-risk driving behaviour that puts the lives of others – and your own – at risk. In Ottawa between 2019 and 2023, 61 per cent of fatal and major injury collisions involved one or more drivers engaging in high-risk driver behaviour in Ottawa.
But distracted driving doesn’t stop at texting behind the wheel – from eating, changing the channel or even listening into backseat conversations, these can all come with a high cost, one that no one can afford to pay.
Tips to staying distraction-free:
- Avoid temptation: plan your trip, set your phone to “do not disturb”, pull over if you need to look at a text, or give your passenger control of your device.
- Understand “distracted driving”: texting or talking on the phone, interacting with your smartwatch, eating or drinking, grooming or applying makeup, interacting with pets or passengers, daydreaming or getting lost in thoughts, adjusting the radio or temperature.
- Understanding the risks: as stated above, in Ottawa between 2019 and 2023, 61 per cent of fatal and major injury collisions involved high-risk driving behaviour.
- Know the penalties: first-time convictions of distracted driving for those with A to G licenses can induce fines of up to $1000, three demerit points, and a 3-day license suspension.
Be part of the change and help us make Ottawa roads safer for all users.