Albertans continue to drive distracted despite knowing the risks, according to survey
CBC
Driving experts are calling on Albertans to hit the brakes on distracted driving as they head into the Canada Day long weekend.
Over 27 per cent of Alberta drivers admit to participating in risky driving, according to an April survey from insurance company Travelers Canada.
"We've done this survey … for a number of years in the U.S., and this is our second year doing it in Canada and what we found is that it's not getting better," said Paul Stone, vice-president of personal insurance, sales, distribution and marketing with the company.
"Our results show that although people are aware of the issue, they acknowledge it, they know that they've been involved in it, that three in 10 drivers [across Canada] feel the roads are less safe this year," Stone said in an interview with CBC Thursday.
He said three in 10 drivers also admitted to being involved in an incident like a collision as a result of distracted driving.
The survey heard from over 1,000 Canadians between the ages of 18-69 in March.
Some of the most common behaviours reported while driving include: using a cell phone or hands-free device, reading texts and email, using a navigation device and eating or drinking.
One in five drivers in Canada admitted to reading texts and email, Stone said.
Under Alberta's Traffic Safety Act, using a cellphone or "hand-held electronic device," reading, writing, grooming, or "any other activity that may be prescribed in the regulations" while behind the wheel is distracted driving.
The penalty for distracted driving in Alberta is a $300 fine and three demerit points.
Provincial data shows there were 13,898 distracted driving convictions from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022 — an increase of 886 convictions from 2021.
Convictions tied to using a cellphone or electronic device overwhelmingly make up the majority with 13,319 offences recorded in 2022.
Travelers Canada looked at the psychological aspects behind distracted driving. The survey found Albertans are some of the most stressed out drivers in Canada.
Specifically, 83 per cent of respondents were stressed out by the driving behaviour of other people, compared to 78 per cent across Canada.
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