Currently in Canada all provinces except one, Nunavut, have a distracted driving law in effect. Fines and demerits are what you face when getting behind the wheel and attempting to drive and text at the same time.
If those penalties aren’t enough to deter you, read on for some alarming information that just might.
Number of cell phone subscribers rise
With so many hazards on the road, it’s no wonder that these driving laws were put in place. Think about it, in 2013 a staggering number of 27,306,013 cell phone subscribers were tallied in Canada alone. How many of those subscribers are drivers?
We have to wonder, of those drivers how many are using their phones when driving on the highways?
There’s a good chance you’ll encounter a highway-railway crossing when you’re out on the road, and if you’re on your phone you’re bound to miss the signs that warn you of oncoming tracks. Miss those signs and you could miss out on the rest of your life.
Distracted driving is said to be deadlier than impaired driving
“Police and car safety advocates say Canadian drivers are not getting the message when comes to being alert and focused behind the wheel.” —CTV news, Aug. 30, 2013
Police are encouraging motorists to attach the same kind of stigma associated with impaired driving to distracted driving. The message is simple: put away your phone and pay attention to the road. Your life depends on it.
It’s impossible to text and drive
Want proof that texting and driving is impossible? Check out this video:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbjSWDwJILs[/youtube]
We can’t imagine attempting to text and drive AND safely navigate a highway-railway crossing! It’s apparent that the risk will ALWAYS outweigh the reward.
Just in case you still need convincing, here are two more videos for good measure:
[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/14086416[/vimeo]
[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/14086349[/vimeo]
Spread the word about rail safety
Operation Lifesaver has a ton of handy (and free) rail safety resources, including some geared toward drivers of varying experience. We encourage you to explore them and use them to keep you and your family safe. Here are some suggestions:
- Encourage your family and friends to take the rail safety quiz. It’s a great indicator of just how much you know already and where you can improve. Plus, you can make it fun by placing some friendly wagers to kickstart some competitive spirits.
- Have some young ones in the family? There’s no such thing as too young when it comes to learning about the importance of rail safety. Definitely bookmark olkids.ca. It’s an interactive and fun way for your kids to learn how to be rail safe.
- Download our many free and tailored driver resources for the drivers in your family. We have handbooks and pamphlets available for all ages and experience – from new drivers to professional drivers; we’ve got you covered with a simple click of a button.
We will continue to spread the word about rail safety, but we need your help. While you’re watching the news or reading the latest headlines about distracted driving, remember, rail safety is equally important.
Please remember to ALWAYS: LOOK, LISTEN, LIVE.