Understanding Distracted Driving in Ontario
Understanding Distracted Driving in Ontario
Distracted driving is a major concern among Ontario drivers, putting lives at risk every day. According to a recent survey conducted by CAA, 44% of respondents admitted to engaging in distracted driving at some point, marking a 4% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year.
In this blog, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about distracted driving and suggest valuable tips on how to avoid it.
What is distracted driving?
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving, in its simplest terms, is driving a vehicle while not fully focused on the road. This lack of focus can result from various activities, including:
- Texting or using smartphones
- Eating and drinking
- Using in-car entertainment system
- Conversation with passengers
- Grooming
- Reading
What constitutes distracted driving in Ontario?
What constitutes distracted driving in Ontario?
In Ontario, distracted driving is taken very seriously. The law prohibits a wide range of activities that divert your attention from driving, including but not limited to:
- Using a hand-held electronic device, includes talking, texting, dialing, or scrolling through your smartphone while driving.
- Using handheld entertainment devices such as tablets and video games.
- Looking at display screens not related to driving.
Penalties and insurance implications
Penalties and insurance implications
The penalties for distracted driving in Ontario are substantial and are designed to discourage this dangerous behavior. If caught, you could face:
- Fines: monetary fines starting at $615 and possibly reaching as high as $3000, depending on the number of offenses.
- Demerit points: Ranging from three to six demerit points.
- License suspension: Facing 30-day license suspension, determined by the number of offenses.
- Insurance: Resulting in an increased insurance premium up to 25%, losing safe driving or conviction-free discount and difficulty getting insurance from standard insurance company.
Moreover, accidents caused by distracted driving can also lead to costly repairs, medical expenses, and, most importantly, the potential for injury or loss of life.
Tips to avoid distracted driving
Tips to avoid distracted driving
Driving without being distracted starts with awareness and personal responsibility. Here are some tips to help you stay focused and safe on the road:
- Silence your phone: Turn off notifications or use a ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode while driving. Place your phone out of reach to avoid temptation.
- Use hands-free devices: If you need to make a call, use a hands-free device, like Bluetooth, to keep your hands on the wheel.
- Plan your route: Set your navigation system before you start driving to minimize distractions.
- Avoid multitasking: Refrain from eating, grooming, or performing any other activity while driving.
- Pull over if necessary: If you need to address an urgent matter, find a safe location to pull over and attend to it.
- Take help from your passenger: Ask the passenger to minimize distraction for you. Let them assist with tasks like navigating, choosing music or responding to a text or call..
- Take breaks: when going on extended drives, take breaks every two hours to refresh and recharge.
By following these tips and practicing responsible driving, you can help make the roads in Ontario safer for everyone. Remember, staying focused behind the wheel is not just a good driving habit; it’s a responsibility we all share to protect ourselves and others on the road.
If you’ve received a ticket for driving violations and are having trouble obtaining insurance from standard companies, reach out to a PrimeService Insurance Broker for expert assistance tailored to your needs.
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