Drivers do not usually consider the impact that the use of such a small thing as a cellphone could potentially have on their lives. Reiterating former studies and research, it is again being seen as something that is a major cause in the rise of fatal collisions across provinces in Canada.
Various campaigns and educational movements held by the police are not having as much of an impact as they should due to the number of fatal collisions going up by 17 per cent. In Canada, such distractions are cited to be the root cause in 302 to 352 deaths in a recent five-year period alone. The data was provided by Transport Canada’s National Collision Database and has proved to be shocking for many.
As much as 30 to 80 per cent of all collisions amounting from distracted driving can be based on cellphone usage while handling a vehicle.
“Distracted driving has always a major factor in collisions, but it’s been a result of electronic technology that has really brought it to the forefront,” said Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Pierre Chamberland, according to cbc.ca.
Cellphone distractions have now even gone beyong drinking and driving as a top cause in causing collisions. In Ontario alone, over 30 per cent of highway accidents are associated with cellphone use while speeding remains to be the number one cause of accidents.
For the Canadian Automobile Association, it is not only about warning drivers about using their cellphons while driving, but also about educating them about all sorts of distractions in general.
“The campaign is saying it’s not just about technology,” said Teresa DiFelice, the director of communications for the CAA’s South Central Ontario chapter.”Reaching over for something, putting on makeup, shaving, reading the newspaper, trying to reach for things for a child: these are all forms of distraction.”
Determining the exact reason as to why a collision occurred is not perfected as of yet, but it is easy to cite distractions as being a major factor involved. This is why the rise in legislation pertaining to deal with cellphone usage while driving has come about in all provinces and territories in Canada. Across Canada, fines range from $100 to as high as $280 and above in some areas.
While it may seem outrageous for many to fine for using cellphones while driving, the risk of harming not only yourself but others is something that forces one to think about the devastation that could come about from it.
Source: CBC
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