More than 160 road deaths have been linked to distracted driving since 2005 – an average of 25 per year – according to Manitoba Public Insurance data.
“Cell phones don’t cause crashes, distracted drivers do,” said MaryAnn Kempe, Vice-President of Community and Corporate Relations, Manitoba Public Insurance. “A texting driver, whose eyes are focused on their device, represents a clear danger on the road.
“Other distractions include eating, smoking and personal grooming while driving. Safe driving requires 100 per cent concentration. The average time spent sending a text message is 4.6 seconds – at 90 km/h, you’ll travel the length of a CFL football field in that time.”
Drawing attention to this serious road safety issue, Manitoba’s public auto insurer has launched its first-ever, awareness campaign aimed at educating drivers about the dangers of being distracted while driving.”
Manitoba Public Insurance’s don’t text and drive campaign – Your Last Words – launched provincially today and will encompass television, radio, billboards, transit advertising and a dedicated website – www.yourlastwords.ca – primarily aimed at drivers aged 15 to 25.
“On average, there are about 25 fatal crashes each year in Manitoba attributed to distracted driving,” said Kempe.
What people should know about distracted driving:
- A texting driver is 23 times more likely to get into a crash than a non-texting driver.
- 84 per cent of Manitobans rate the use of hand-held cell phones while driving as a serious problem.
- Driver inattention may play a role in up to 80 per cent of collisions in Manitoba.
Manitoba Public Insurance exercises a three-pronged approach to changing driving behaviour: education, awareness and partnerships with Manitoba police agencies. Through this partnership came the Manitoba Awareness and Enforcement Integrated calendar which combines dedicated law enforcement initiatives and monthly public awareness campaigns aimed at a specific road safety issue.
Manitoba drivers are reminded that it’s illegal to use any handheld electronic device while driving in Manitoba. Drivers caught using their cell phone, iPod or other hand-held devices will receive a $200 ticket.
