Things can happen fast. Taking your eyes off the road for one second can mean the difference between avoiding a collision or being involved in one. Consider this, travelling at 100 km per hour, you can travel 25 metres in 0.9 seconds, which means you can travel the length of a typical backyard swimming pool in less than one second!
Anything that takes your focus off the road is distracted driving. This includes using your phone to talk, text, check maps, choose a playlist, and other activities like eating, reading, putting on make-up, or typing an address into a GPS. Deaths linked to distracted driving behaviour are outpacing speed-related, drug or alcohol-related, and seatbelt related fatalities.
Statistics on distracted driving |
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Texting while driving is dangerous. Driving requires your full attention; if you’re texting, you’re taking your eyes and your mind off the road. One third of all drivers in the KFL&A area report using a cell phone while driving.
Tips to avoid texting and driving |
Texting while driving is illegal and can cost you $490 in fines and three demerit points. Careless or dangerous driving can cost you even more in fines, points, and jail time. Here are some tips to help you avoid these fines and stay safe:
As a passenger, you play an important role in helping the driver to stay focused on the road. The Ontario Provincial Police encourage all passengers to help save lives by showing zero tolerance to drivers who text, talk on their phones, or engage in other distractions that put their lives and the lives of others at risk. Be a role model for other passengers and kids. Speak up! |