Dangerous behind-the-wheel practices lead to fatalities

For every two seconds a driver’s eyes stray away from the road, he or she is twice as likely to have an accident. Inattention, such as texting while driving is the leading contributing factor in most crashes or near-miss accidents in Canada.

Intention on the Road

Of all crashes, 80 per cent (and 65 per cent of near-crashes) involve driver inattention within a three-second window of the incident. The moral of the story: When motorists change radio stations, try to read maps or talk on cell phones, they are putting themselves and others at risk.

How Texting is Unique

The latest danger to hit the roadways in recent years is texting while driving. AAA claims that texting requires a motorist’s full attention, which obviously inhibits attention to the road.

A recent study by the Canada Automobile Association found that 33.6 seconds are needed to reply to a text message. In this time, a driver in a residential neighborhood would pass 85 parked cars, 36 houses, or 5 intersections. The driver would also likely encounter bikes or pedestrians.

This concern is not limited to everyday drivers; inattention due to texting has caused many occupational drivers to be involved in deadly roadway crashes.

It’s Against the Law

Many provinces have laws outlawing the use of cell phones and texting while driving. To avoid a ticket and a potentially dangerous accident, do not use your cell phone in any capacity while driving. If you must make a phone call or text, pull off the road safely and then do so. If you’re really struggling to resist the urge to respond to messages when they come in, turn your phone off before getting into the car. No message is more important than saving someone’s life.

Munn Insurance is committed to helping you and your loved ones stay safe and protected. If you would like more information, please contact Munn Insurance at 1-855-726-8627 today.