Distracted Driving
Nearly 8 in 10 Canadian drivers (79%) admit to being distracted while driving, according to a CAA poll. And among the most dangerous distractions people name are their own in-vehicle technologies, like a phone, the vehicle console, or voice-activated features.
“Distracted driving is already the largest cause of collisions in Canada, but the reasons behind it are evolving,” said Ian Jack, vice president of public affairs at CAA National. “New technology in vehicles these days can make a ride more convenient, or even safer, but the combination of all that tech together can lead to even more distraction.”
Asked to say what is distracting them these days, Canadians listed in order: eating or drinking, interacting with the vehicle’s console, using voice-activated features, and using their phone.
“It’s impossible to eliminate all distractions,” Jack said. “But to keep yourself and others as safe as possible on the road, CAA urges you to do as much as you can to reduce distractions before you drive. Set the destination, check your safety features, put the phone on do not disturb – these are the kinds of things we can do before we start driving.”
Christine Niemczyk, director, corporate communications & public relations with CAA Saskatchewan added, “As drivers, we are all guilty of multitasking when we’re behind the wheel. We like to drink our coffee, talk with passengers, tend to children, eat a burger or sandwich, find our favourite play list, and check our mobile phones, all while driving. And now with in-vehicle information systems, we have more distractions vying for our attention. These are all kinds of distracted driving – which is anything that takes our eyes and mind off the task of safe driving. It’s important to stay focused, be alert, and keep your eyes on the road.”
Distracted driving contributes to 21% of fatal collisions every year, up from 16% a decade ago (Transport Canada). Staying safe boils down to one thing: stay focused on your driving, and whenever possible deal with distractions before you drive.
CAA’s distracted driving campaign brings home this message. It’s called #BeforeYouDrive and urges drivers to get it all out of the way before leaving. The campaign, featuring a vibrant video and catchy tune, is playing on social channels in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
Watch the videos on the CAA Saskatchewan YouTube page.
Watch: Do It All Before You Drive
Watch: Montage Unplug and Drive
CAA’s Top 10 safety tips to avoid distracted driving:
- Set your playlist, podcast, safety features, whatever you can, before you drive.
- Set the GPS and review directions before driving.
- Do not text, use apps, or check social media.
- Stow and secure loose objects.
- Avoid eating and drinking while driving.
- Prepare children with everything they need before driving.
- Allow plenty of travel time.
- Do not groom yourself.
- Always keep two hands on the wheel.
- Keep your eyes on the road.
Common Driving Distractions and How They Affect You. Learn more.
Running Late? What are the Risks of Driving While Feeling Rushed?
If you’re driving a vehicle while running late, you can become very anxious. Every red light and vehicle in front of you can increase your stress. You are inclined to speed, make quick maneuvers, and rush through intersections in hopes of “saving time”. You’re also more likely to send a text message to someone letting them know you will be late. According to Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), driver inattention and distraction is responsible for 21% of all collisions. What can be done in preparation, before our journey begins, to ensure that we are ready to drive while staying distraction and anxiety free? Read Take Control of your Focus: De-stress the Drive.
Source: Saskatchewan Safety Council
Safe Driving Advice
DRIVER SAFETY
BEFORE YOU DRIVE:
✓ Buckle Up: Passengers and the driver must wear seat belts.
✓ Travelling with children: Secure children in safety approved booster or car seats.
✓ Navigation systems: Plan ahead and program before you drive.
✓ Eliminate distracted driving: Put your mobile phone away. Calls and texts can be answered when you are not behind the wheel.
BE PREPARED:
✓ Check the paperwork: Ensure that your driver’s licence, vehicle insurance, travel insurance, and CAA membership are updated and renewed.
✓ Packing: Colouring books, puzzles, and books can be packaged for younger children. Bottled water, non-perishable snacks, blankets, and a roadside safety kit are necessary. Your roadside kit should include a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, tire pressure gauge, pliers, and an adjustable wrench. Make your own kit or purchase one at a CAA Store or online with CAA. Add windshield washer fluid, jumper cables, and emergency flares or reflectors.
✓ Plan your trip: Let family or friends know your travel route and stick to primary roads.
STAY CONNECTED:
✓ Mobile phone and charger: Keep it in your glove compartment should you need to call for help.
✓ CAA Roadside Assistance is available 24/7 for Members by calling 1-800-222-4357 or use the CAA mobile app.
DRIVING:
✓ Avoid: Playing loud music or having long conversations with passengers, eating, and drinking.
✓ Stay focused: Be alert and keep your eyes and mind on safe driving.
✓ Tired: Pull over, take a break, or have another driver take over the wheel.
✓ Drive according to the current weather and road conditions: Allow extra time to reach your destination.
✓ SEE AND BE SEEN: For safety and visibility, your vehicle’s headlights and taillights should be turned on before sunrise, after sunset and in low visibility. Do not be the driver of a phantom vehicle. Learn more
✓ Slow Down Move Over: It is the law to slow to 60 km/h for first responders, including tow truck operators, law enforcement, paramedics, firefighters, and construction crews working on Saskatchewan highways. Help them stay safe and arrive home at the end of their shift. It is a matter of life and death. Visit caask.ca/slowdownmoveover
VEHICLE SAFETY
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE (ICE) AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EVS):
✓ Check your tire pressure: The right pressure is important for traction and fuel efficiency. Check the air pressure regularly. Improper inflation can not only be dangerous but can also cause increased tire wear resulting in added costs for replacement tires. Consult the owner’s manual for details.
✓ Monitor the oil: Wait until your car has been off for about 10 minutes. Pull out the dipstick, clean it off with a paper towel, and then reinsert it back into the cradle. After a few seconds pull it back out. The oil level should fall between the two markings or holes. It should appear light brown and thick.
✓ Check your lights: Walk around the vehicle and check to ensure that the front, tail, and reverse lights are working, along with the turn signals. Check the high beams, too, and fog lights if your vehicle has them. Clean the headlights and taillights for maximum brightness.
✓ Top up fluids: This includes brake fluid and window washer fluid. Examine belts for proper belt tension and flaws in your windshield wipers.
✓ Fuel efficiency tips (ICE): You could save hundreds of dollars at the pump each year, lengthen the life of your vehicle by preventing unnecessary wear on your vehicle, and help save the environment by following CAA’s easy fuel-efficient driving tips. Learn more
✓ Electric Vehicles (EVs): CAA supports efforts to improve vehicle fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. EVs do both. Learn more
✓ Did you hear something? A major vehicle problem is often preceded by a noise, like a squeak, squeal, or bang. If you hear something like that, report it to your mechanic immediately. And if you notice an unusual smell, talk with your technician. A vehicle check up may be required. Service your vehicle with any required maintenance at your local garage, or at any Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS) locations. Visit the CAA Battery Depot for any of your battery needs plus battery accessories.
✓ RV Safety: Check the wheels on your RV, boat trailer, and/or camper trailer. Set the lug nuts to the proper torque to make sure they do not come loose or off the trailer. Grease wheel bearings and adjust annually. Inspect trailer suspension springs for wear. Check your RV owner’s manual for yearly maintenance.
Phantom Vehicles
Once upon a time, a dim instrument panel reminded motorists that their headlights weren’t engaged. But in most new vehicles, the panel is backlit anytime the engine is running. This leads some motorists to assume their daytime running lights (DRL) are also on. Problem is, in many vehicles, DRL doesn’t include rear illumination.
Before sunrise, after sunset and in bad weather, you get what are known as phantom vehicles. These are cars that are virtually invisible from behind because their rear lights aren’t on. It’s a pet peeve for many drivers. And it’s a safety issue due to the visibility risks. The motorists following you can’t see your taillights, and it decreases their reaction time to brake or avoid a rear-end collision.
So how can you ensure your car is lit? Many vehicles have an “Auto” option whereby sensors gauge ambient light to switch between DRL and a fully engaged headlight system; just make sure that setting is on. Look for an “A,” “Auto” or the DRL symbol on your light dial. For cars lacking an automatic option, keeping your headlights on when driving is the safest bet.
The Government of Canada announced safety legislation that will require all new cars sold in Canada as of 2021 to be more visible in low-light conditions.
This new safety standard will require auto manufacturers do one of the following:
- Have daytime running lights and taillights come on when the vehicle instrument panel is illuminated, and the vehicle is in operation.
- Automatically turn on the headlights, taillights, and side marker lights in low-light conditions; or
- Keep the driver’s instrument panel dark so the driver knows to turn on all the lights.
To increase awareness about phantom vehicles, CAA partnered with Transport Canada on the See and Be Seen campaign. To learn more about phantom vehicles and how to help raise awareness please visit www.tc.gc.ca/SEEandbeSEEN.
Senior Drivers
The fact is that our population is aging.
While more experience is a good thing, so is awareness that some age-related changes are inevitable. Over the years, our pupils get smaller and can affect our ability to drive safety. Hearing loss can affect our ability to react to our surroundings and diminishing motor skills can affect our reaction time. Those changes don’t have to mean the end of a driving life. Here are some driving resources to help you out.
Senior’s Toolkit: CAA, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) have designed a toolkit for seniors and their loved ones. Use the senior’s toolkit to assess fitness to drive under different conditions, stay safe behind the wheel, maintain driving confidence as you age, and take concrete steps to modify driving habits if needed. Learn more
CarFit Program: CarFit is an educational program for mature drivers where a trained technician and occupational therapist help to identify how the fit of your vehicle can affect your driving. We assist drivers in understanding and applying the built-in safety features of their vehicle and offer education on your vehicle’s enhanced restraints and protection if you are unaware of them. CarFit is free to CAA Members and non-members. Learn more
55 Alive Mature Drivers Program: The 55 Alive Mature Drivers Program is offered by Saskatchewan Safety Council. Contact the Saskatchewan Safety Council for more information.
Young Drivers
There’s nothing quite like the freedom that comes with a driver’s licence. It can mean independence and open new possibilities for travel, employment, and education.
But there are responsibilities associated with driving that all drivers should be aware of to help make the roads safer for everyone.
Here are five safety reminders for young drivers:
1. Safety First
Safety is every driver’s main responsibility – the safety of everyone in and around your vehicle: passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Obey the rules of the road and always pay attention to your surroundings. Safe driving behaviour will also help keep your insurance costs down.
You can make a difference even if you’re not in the driver’s seat. As a passenger:
- Do not distract the driver. Instead, offer to be a designated phone user to reduce any distractions to the driver.
- Be vigilant and let the driver know about anything that may compromise safety.
- Never travel with drivers who are impaired or behaving dangerously.
2. Plan Ahead
Cannabis and alcohol may be legal in Canada but driving while under the influence of these and other substances is not. The consequences of impaired driving are harsh and can be deadly. We have information and resources on cannabis to help you and your loved ones stay safe on the road. Learn more
3. Avoid distractions
Music, apps, maps, and social media are all frequently used while driving and pose the same threat as calling or texting. While most Canadians recognize the risks of distracted driving, 1 in 6 Canadians have admitted to driving distracted. Being at the wheel of a vehicle is complex multi-tasking – it challenges you to watch, listen, steer, brake, anticipate, and calculate in real time. Focus your attention on driving. If you need to take your eyes off the road, pull over safely and stop. #UnplugAndDrive
4. Understand the cost of driving
Your expenses will include more than just the vehicle purchase cost. There are licence and registration fees, taxes, and insurance. Use our Driving Costs Calculator to figure out your estimated total driving expenses.
5. Make a deal
If you are sharing a family vehicle, consider making an agreement or deal with your parents. Talk with them about ensuring you can have a safe ride home, without judgement, if you are in a situation where you do not feel safe driving the car home. In return, you retain driving privileges such as using the car on certain nights.
Here’s some additional resources and advice for new drivers. Learn More
Child Passenger Safety
When it comes to travelling with your children, ensuring their safety is your priority. One important aspect of that safety is car seat usage. CAA has been helping parents keep their children safe inside and outside the vehicle for decades. Read more about the Importance of Car Seat Safety.