Driving a vehicle demands your full attention. And while you may think that driving while quickly checking a text message or changing the radio station means you are still focused on the road, the truth is – you don’t. Taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chance of an accident. One moment of inattention can lead to serious injuries or death. 

In an effort to curb cell phone use while driving, in 2020, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board approved the Facility Association’s rate filing, which includes an increase from 15% to 25% in the surcharge for the first major distracted driving conviction. They also applied to treat all convictions for “using a handheld wireless communication/entertainment device” as major, instead of minor.

What is The Facility Association? 

As noted in a Canadian Underwriter article, The Facility Association is not an insurance company but is backstopped by its member insurance companies who underwrite business in Nova Scotia.

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving occurs when the attention of an operator of any motor vehicle is divided.

This includes holding a smartphone to text, talk or for any other function while driving. Reprogramming a GPS while driving also counts as distracted driving. Eating, unwrapping food, smoking, reading a map, and taking off your jacket while driving is also considered forms of distracted driving.

These activities are considered distracted because performing them while driving means you will not have the ability to react quickly enough to a dangerous situation. For example, at just 50km/h a vehicle only takes one second to travel the distance from a baseball diamond's home plate to first base. Imagine if a pedestrian were to walk out in front of you while driving at this speed AND while you are texting someone? Chances are you will not be able to react in time and the result will be fatal.

In 2019, there were 580 distracted driving charges in Halifax alone - this is an increase from the 347 charges in 2018. Distracted driving continues to increase and the risks of distracted driving are high and insurers agree.

Fines for distracted driving in Nova Scotia

• First offence: $233.95 and 4 demerit points
• Second offence: $38.95 and 4 demerit points
• Third+ offence: $578.95 and 4 demerit points

Many insurance companies want to treat any new distracted driving conviction as a major conviction, as opposed to a minor conviction. The good news is you can avoid a major conviction and drive down your insurance rates by putting your phone away and keeping your focus on the road while driving.

And remember, if you have an accident and it is discovered that you were driving distracted at the time, your insurer may not cover you. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Don’t drive distracted. If you have questions regarding your auto insurance or how distracted driving can affect your premium, contact us today.

Sources

https://www.canadianunderwriter.ca/insurance/how-insurers-are-changing-their-treatment-of-distracted-driving
https://www.ottawasafetycouncil.ca/dangers-of-distracted-driving/
https://www.canadadrives.ca/blog/driving-tips/distracted-driving-laws-penalties-canada#NovaScotia
https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/n-s-mounties-say-they-re-seeing-more-distracted-drivers-despite-warnings-and-education-campaigns-1.4635664