How Distracted Driving Affects Your Safety & Insurance Premiums

Summer is synonymous with road trips, trips with family, and long drives across Canada. Unfortunately, summer also means distracted driving. No matter the warnings given on the dangers of distracted driving, distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of crashes and serious injury in Canada. So what is good news? Distracted driving is completely preventable. 

What is Distracted Driving? 

When most people think of distractions, texting behind the wheel comes to mind—and for good reason. Taking your eyes off the road to look at your phone for a few seconds increases your chances of a crash. However, distractions extend way beyond texting while driving. Other distractions can be things such as taking a phone call while driving, using your GPS and infotainment system while driving, eating or drinking, putting on your makeup while driving, and/or reaching for objects in the back seat while driving. Distraction can also come in the form of mental distraction—not exclusively physically doing something (i.e., thinking or daydreaming while driving considering being distracted).

The Insurance Component You May Not Think About 

There are safety concerns associated with distracted driving but there are some financial implications too. For instance, in provinces such as Ontario, one distracted driving ticket could increase your insurance premiums by 15% or more. Some drivers reported increases in their premiums of over $1,800 annually after a conviction. Fines for distracted driving are also steep, ranging from $615 and as much as $3,000 for repeat offences, and the fines you are required to pay do not account for demerit points on your license, or the possibility of your license being suspended. The costs of distracted driving are beyond just the road. 

Building Safer Driving Habits

The most obviously effective way to stop distracted driving is simple: make a commitment to stay focused while driving. Set your GPS before you get going, or keep your phone out of reach or off altogether. Avoid multitasking when you drive, and if you plan to go on a longer trip, plan to take regular breaks to stay alert. Even relatively small habits, such as securing loose items only to avoid distractions, or stowing away food or drinks, can lessen the tendency to take your eyes off the road.

What Canadians Are Saying About Their Habits

Sadly, statistics and reports show that many drivers continue these distracting habits. According to CAA surveys, 72% of Canadians who drive admitted to looking at directions or maps while driving, and more than half reported talking on the phone while driving. Even more alarming, 1 in 4 drivers believes he can “safely’’ multitask while driving, a dangerous false belief. The truth is distracted drivers are 23 times more likely to crash.

How Insurance Can Help

The good news? Insurance brokerages are also joining the fight to get Canadians to drive more safely. A few insurance companies have started to offer telematics based programs, which track driver’s habits and offer discounts to safer drivers. For the masses, it can be a terrific way to save and be kept accountable while driving.

At A-Kan insurance, we believe driving safely protects your life but it also protects your money. Talk to someone at A-Kan today about how your auto insurance can fit your lifestyle and what options are available for safe-driving incentives.