View From the Legislature

We carry more technology with us each and every day than most of us could have imagined a couple of decades ago. Smartphones allow people to be connected to news, entertainment and people in a way that is truly captivating. However, this ever present technology has changed the reality on our roads and highways as those captivating devices take attention away from driving.

While previous generations learned the message that drinking and driving kills, a new message about the dangers of distracted driving by using a hand-operated electronic device while driving, such as a cellphone, is not getting through. For example, in 2016 distracted driving was the leading cause of serious collisions in Manitoba. In fact, 29 percent of serious collisions in Manitoba were caused by distracted driving. It was also the third leading cause of fatalities at 27 percent. Between 2011 and 2016, the number of accidents involving distracted driving increased by four times.

It is clear that using a cellphone while driving can be dangerous to the user and to others on the road and it needs to be taken seriously. As a result, last week, new legislation was introduced in the Manitoba Legislature to help send a strong message about the dangers of distracted driving.

Under the new legislation, there would be an immediate three day driver’s license suspension for a first offence of using a hand-operated electronic device while driving and an additional seven day suspension for a second offence. These penalties are in addition to the fine and the loss of merit points that are already in place for distracted driving.

Distracted driving has grown in its seriousness over the past several years and legislation needs to change to address this reality. Ultimately however, it is a shared responsibility for everyone on our roads to make sure they are safe for all who are travelling on them.