Good drivers just drive. It is drivers who are distracted who become a danger on the road. Year-to-date, 86 people have died on Manitoba roads. That is 86 people who did not get home to their families, and some of those people never made it home because of a distracted driver.
The message about distracted driving is out there, but we all need to start listening. More than 600 people were charged by Manitoba RCMP for either talking or texting last year, and while cell phones are still the number one distraction for Manitoba drivers, there are many ways drivers can have their attention taken away from controlling the vehicle.
Don’t be driven to distraction. Here are a few suggestions to help keep your focus on the road.
Before you drive:
- Know your route before you start driving. Pre-program your GPS or have your route memorized
- Allow plenty of time to reach your destination. If you are not in a rush, you are less likely to be distracted by the time or the pressure to arrive
- Pre-set seats, mirrors, climate control and radio stations
- Secure loose objects so they do not roll around the vehicle becoming a distraction, nor will you be tempted to reach for them while driving
- Prepare children with everything they need, such as giving them large items, not small items, to play with
- Secure pets properly in the backseat. If they are moving around the vehicle, they can easily become a distraction or a physical barrier to the driver’s line of vision and ability to maneuver the vehicle
- Turn off the alerts on your phone, so you are not tempted to check a text or an email
While driving:
- Allow phone calls to go directly to voicemail
- Wait until you are out of your vehicle to safely check texts and emails
- Eat your breakfast at home. Eating in the car is a big distraction
- Personal grooming takes your eyes off the road and is not a safe activity for drivers
On average, a ticket for using a hand-held device is approximately $200 and results in two demerit points off your licence while a ticket for careless driving can be higher.
The RCMP’s goal is to make the roads safe for everyone. Let’s pay attention behind the wheel. Our families and friends are worth it.
