According to data from Transport Canada’s National Collision Database, distracted driving contributed to an estimated 20% of fatal collisions and 21% of serious injury collisions in 2018. These statistics are part of an upward trend of distracted driving-related collisions, up from 16% of fatal collisions and 17% of serious injury collisions a decade earlier.

According to the RCMP, examples of distracted driving include:

• talking and using a mobile device
• texting
• reading (e.g. books, maps)
• programming a GPS
• watching videos
• eating or drinking
• smoking or vaping
• grooming
• adjusting the radio
• listening to extremely loud music
• talking to passengers

Driving distracted is responsible for reduced reaction time, impaired judgement as well as injuries and fatalities, and it is banned across Canada.

Depending on where you live in Canada, driving distracted can result in fines, loss of demerit points and license suspensions. Many insurance companies are treating distracted driving as a major conviction for the purpose of setting insurance rates, including Northbridge General Insurance Company in Nova Scotia.

According to Sergeant Gord Keen of the Ontario Provincial Police, “What we find out on the road is that the general population is not concerned about the ticket they get on the side of the road. What means something to them are points against the driver’s licence and how it affects their insurance rates.”

In Nova Scotia, drivers convicted of texting or using hand-held cellphones while driving face fines ranging from $233.95 for a first offence, $348.95 for a second offence, $578.95 for a third offence with the addition of four demerit points on conviction. 

The three categories of conviction are minor, major and serious and each classification can be treated differently by an insurance company. In regards to insurance costs, a major conviction can impact premiums by anywhere between 30 and 50%.  It can also impact what market your Insurance Broker is able to place your vehicle in – a regular market company versus the Facility Association for what the insurance industry considers higher risk drivers so the impact is significant. In addition, criminal code convictions can impact premium by 100% (i.e., DUI).

As much as we know distracted driving is dangerous, can affect your insurance rates and even cause fatalities, nearly three out of four Canadians admit to driving distracted. Put your phone away, ditch distractions and focus on the road.

If you have questions regarding your auto insurance or how distracted driving can affect your premium, contact us today.

Sources

https://www.canadianunderwriter.ca/legislation-regulation/insurers-now-treating-distracted-driving-as-major-conviction-1004200002/ 
https://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/canada-road-safety.pdf
https://www.canadadrives.ca/blog/driving-tips/distracted-driving-laws-penalties-canada
https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/dd-dv/index-eng.htm