For the third year running, distracted driving was the number one factor in vehicle collisions in Saskatchewan for 2014. SGI attributes the fact distracted driving has overtaken impaired driving mainly to cell phone use.
“No one ever thinks today will be their last day on earth,” said Denton Keating, manager of Tubman Cremation and Funeral Services, who has seen more than his fair share of motor vehicle tragedy. “They only take their eyes off the road ‘for a second,’ but it only takes a second to do something wrong and cause catastrophic damages.”
Despite the dangers—3,300 collisions, 600 injuries and 26 deaths in 2014—police still issue an extraordinary number of tickets for this offence.
In October, law enforcement will be targeting distracted drivers in SGI’s monthly traffic safety spotlight.
In addition to cell phone use, police will be watching for drivers eating, grooming, fiddling with GPS devices and/or sound sytems, refereeing children and other activities that diminish a motorist’s attention to the task at hand.
“They’re no longer just putting their own lives at risk, but also the lives of their children and other loved ones, not to mention the innocent victims in on-coming traffic,” said Keating. “Survivors are then left to deal with the pain of losing someone they love over such a senseless act.”
As mobile communications technology has proliferated, the Province has tried to keep pace with tougher laws.
Effective Jan. 1, 2010 experienced drivers are allowed to use hands-free devices but new drivers cannot.
Also effective on that date, a $280 fine with four demerit points was implemented for using a cellphone while driving or driving without due care and attention.
On June 27, 2014 new laws gave police the authority to seize vehicles for seven days on a second or subsequent offence for cellphone use within one year, and seven days on a third or subsequent offence for driving without due care and attention within one year.
From June 2014 to June 2015, 35 drivers had their vehicle seized for using an electronic communication device while driving or for driving without due care and attention.
“When behind the wheel, your only concern should be driving,” an SGI press release stated. “You could miss hazards or potential hazards if you’re not giving your complete attention to the road. If your head is down, you may not see that child chasing his soccer ball into the street. Without even realizing it, you could swerve out of your lane and hit someone, or end up rear-ending the driver in front. There is no room for error on the road.”
