Distracted Driving

is the diversion of attention from driving, as a result of the driver focusing on a non-driving object, activity, event or person. This diversion reduces awareness, decision-making or performance leading to increased risk of driver error, near-crashes or crashes.
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Distracted Driving is now the number one risk on Canadian roads contributing to 8 in 10 collisions
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Canadian distractions
behind the wheel
per cent of Canadians admitting to engaging in distracted behaviours behind the wheel
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71%
Adjusting iPod or radio
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87%
Eating and drinking
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60%
Looking and talking
to passengers
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51%
Reaching for something
in the backseat
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59%
Playing the radio
excessively loud
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51%
Talking on the phone
with hands-free device
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35%
Adjusting settings
on GPS
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47%
Talking on a cellphone
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35%
Sending text messages
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29%
Putting on or taking off
clothes and accessories
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13%
Fixing hair and makeup
Distracted driving laws
in Canada
Province Fine Demerits
British Columbia $167 3
Alberta $172 none
Saskatchewan $280 4
Manitoba $200 2
Ontario $60 - $500 none
Quebec $115 - $154 3
Newfoundland $100 - $400 4
Prince Edward Island $250 - $400 3
Nova Scotia $176 - $350 none
New Brunswick $172.50 3
Yukon $250 3
Northwest Territories $322 3
Nunavut n/a n/a
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What you can do legally
  • Use hands-free wireless communication devices
  • Bluetooth or earpeice
  • View the display screens of GPS units
  • On the dashboard, not obscuring drivers view
  • Use MP3 players hands-free
  • As long as they're mounted
  • Call 911
What you can't do legally
  • Use hand-held wireless communication devices
  • Cellphones
  • Text, dial or email
  • Use hand-held electronic entertainment devices
  • iPods, MP3 players or Gameboys
  • View display screens unrelated to driving
  • Laptops, tablets or DVD players
  • Program a GPS device
  • other than voice commands
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How to reduce Distracted Driving
  • Plan your route
  • Put your cellphone away
  • Advise your passengers to be quiet
  • Avoiding eating and drinking
  • Turn down the music
  • Place purses, backpacks and coats in the trunk
  • Get enough sleep before driving
  • Switch drivers every few hours for long drives
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