On September 25, 2013, RCMP East District Traffic Services staged a mock vehicle collision that focused on the deadly consequences of texting and driving. The event was done in partnership with Manitoba Brain Injuries, Winnipeg Police Services, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, STARS, Manitoba Public Insurance and Chapel Lawn Funeral Homes.
Mock collision, staged by RCMP, showed students the deadly aftermath of a collision based on texting and driving.
Numerous students from schools in and around Winnipeg were in attendance. The students were given a brief presentation by a member of RCMP East District Traffic Services on the effects of texting.
Texting while driving has dire consequences:
- In 2012, 2.5% of the 81 crashes that resulted in 89 deaths on Manitoba roadways was the result of individual’s texting.
- Observational surveys for seatbelt/cell phone compliance have found that, at any given point in time, approximately 1.1% of drivers (so about 1 in every 100) in rural Manitoba are talking or texting on their cell phone. (RCMP)
The consequences do not stop there:
- Drivers who text while driving are 23 times more likely to get into a collision.
- Using a cell phone while driving reduces your attention and concentration by 37%.
- Cell phone users are more likely than non-cell phone users to miss critical traffic signals such as brake lights, traffic lights, speed limits and stop signs.
- A study has shown that drivers who are texting spent nearly five seconds looking at their cell phones – enough time at typical highway speeds to cover more than the length of a football field. (Manitoba Public Insurance)
Watching emergency personnel perform their services, the students witnessed the deadly aftermath of a mock collision based on texting and driving. As is true with real collisions, lives cannot always be saved, so the students were then invited to take part in a short funeral service for one of the victims of the mock collision.
It is believed that the mock collision will generate discussion amongst the youth and have them become involved in creating awareness surrounding the issue of texting and driving.
The safety, security and well-being of Manitobans is the ultimate goal of the RCMP. Put the phone down and stay safe on the road.
