Distracted driving limits a driver’s ability to focus on the driving task and road conditions.
Distracted driving behaviours include talking on a cell phone, texting, reading a book, eating, attending to other passengers or pets and personal grooming.
Alberta RCMP encourages you to practice the following tips to avoid distracted driving:
· finish grooming before leaving home. Do not comb your hair, shave or apply make-up while driving.
· pre-set the temperature, GPS, radio or music. Do not make adjustments unless the vehicle is stopped.
· leave early for extra travel time. Know the itinerary and do not attempt to read a map while driving.
“Research shows that distracted driving plays a role in 20 to 30 per cent of all collisions,” says Supt. Rick Gardner, Alberta Sheriffs. “Traffic safety is a shared responsibility: make sure you are always prepared for the unexpected actions of other motorists or poor driving conditions. Most importantly, never use your handheld wireless electronic device while driving.”
“In 2019, there were over 9,000 people charged with distracted driving offences in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions. The numbers are still too high,” says Supt. Gary Graham, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services.
“If you have to make a call, eat, read, take notes or engage in another distracting activity, make sure you pull over to do it safely. Distracted driving behaviours increase driver errors and, as a result, put your safety and the safety of other road users at risk.”
The Alberta RCMP will continue to work with Alberta Sheriffs and other law enforcement and safety partners to ensure Albertans make the right driving decisions and reduce the number of collisions in the province. Follow our traffic safety tips on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.
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