Distracted Driving - Not Just Young and Old
There is Increasing Awareness for Distracted Driving
There is no doubt that people are finally starting to come around and realize just how big of an issue distracted driving is and how much it has an impact on road safety in general. We are starting to see distracted driving fines increase across the country and we are seeing more awareness and educational campaigns that are urging all drivers to stop driving while distracted. However, one thing that people are failing to see is that it is not just an issue with young and older drivers.
Distracted Driving is a Societal Issue
Distracted driving is not an isolated issue. There is a misconception out there that the main culprit of distracted diving is teens and older drivers. While these groups of drivers are guilty of distracted driving, so are all other drivers.
Mothers and fathers are distracted drivers. New and experienced drivers are distracted drivers. Professionals are distracted drivers. Herein lies the issue. Distracted driving is a larger societal issue and we need to make changes collectively as a whole to kick these bad habits to the curb and make our roads safer now and in the future.
Teen Drivers Learn Poor Driving Habits from their Parents
Remember that teens learn their driving habits from their parents, so it is vital that parents also put their phones away and avoid distracted driving. If you drive distracted as a parent, you are saying that it is an acceptable behaviour and your teen driver will be more likely to engage in distracted driving as well.
The Stats Tell the Real Story
HUB Insurance Hunter recently released an infographic that took a look at distracted driving statistics. The numbers tell the story:
- Distracted driving is factor in 84% of driving fatalities
- In 2013, more than 63,000 people were convicted of distracted driving in Ontario alone
- Distracted driving is the #1 killer on the road today
It’s hard to argue that distracted driving is only a teen and older driver issue anymore. All drivers need to take a look in the mirror and take steps to refrain from the temptation of talking on their phone, texting, or engaging in other distracted driving issues.
For more information and statistics about distracted driving, check out our Distracted Driving Fact Sheet Infographic
What do you think?
Do you think distracted driving is an isolated issue? Are teens and older drivers to blame? Do you think that it is a larger issue and all drivers need to adjust their driving habits?