Times have changed with all the new technology available to drivers. What hasn’t changed is the danger a distracted driver poses to others on the road.
Anything that takes the attention of a driver away from the task of driving is a concern for all of us who share the road.
As part of Road Safety Strategy 2015, which has the goal for Canada to have the safest roads in the world, Manitoba RCMP officers are doing their part. More than 600 people were charged by Manitoba RCMP for either talking or texting while driving last year. Cell phones are the number one distraction for drivers. However, RCMP officers encounter many other examples of distracted driving that are equally dangerous to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Some examples of distractions encountered by officers include:
- Grooming
- Eating and drinking
- Reading the paper
- Watching videos
- Changing the radio station, CD, MP3 player
- Using a navigation system
The summer months will be upon us soon. Typically, that means more drivers on the road, often going faster. Let’s keep our hands on the wheel and our eyes on the road.
The RCMP’s goal is to make the roads a safe place to be. Let’s pay attention. Our families and friends are worth it.
On average, a ticket for distracted driving is approximately $200.
