Ontario safety blitz launched to combat distracted driving

Traffic safety partners in Ontario are reminding the public of the importance of remaining focused behind the wheel with the launch of an anti-distracted driving campaign.

The South Central Ontario arm of the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA SCO), Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, the Ontario Provincial Police and other Traffic Safety Coalition partners launched the four-week campaign on Aug. 1. The blitz seeks to raise awareness about high-risk driving behaviours and encourage safe driving habits in a bid to reduce collisions and fatalities.

“Taking your eyes off the road, even for a second, is enough to change the rest of your life,” Teresa Di Felice, director of government and community relations for CAA SCO, says in a statement.

There are numerous ways to combat distraction, both before and during driving, the CAA SCO reports. Among other things, turn off smartphones, stow and secure loose objects, pre-program the route on GPS, and do not eat, drink, smoke, text, surf the web or read emails while driving.

Recent statistics show that drivers who text while behind the wheel are 23 times more likely to crash their vehicle and drivers who talk on their phones are four to five times more likely to be involved in a collision, the statement adds.