It would take an injury for many Canadians to stop distracted driving

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Distracted driving laws have been on the books for years, but it’s still not stopping most of us from using our phone while behind the wheel. So, what will?

A new survey suggests it will take an accident to make the majority of Canadians “drop it and drive.” But not just any crash; almost four out of 10 say they would have to be hurt in a collision or injure someone else before they’d feel motivated to put down their phones.

A third of drivers surveyed said losing their license was enough incentive not to use their phones while driving. Almost as many said that receiving a fine or ticket would do it.

Many of the people surveyed by Leger admit they feel helpless and need someone or something to take mobiles out of our hands. Almost six out of ten say they’re in favour of having technology installed in their cars to prevent them from using their phone while the engine is running.

The survey also finds many drivers think it’s okay to use their phones, as long as they are stopped at a red light. Thirty-four per cent say they check their phone and 18 per cent admit to texting while waiting for the light to change.

“A lot of people would think that [isn’t dangerous], but these days, intersections are getting larger and more sophisticated; there’s a lot more going on,” says Jason Foroglou with Allstate Insurance.

“You’ve got advance greens, you’ve got bus and street car lanes with their own signals, bike lanes, car lanes. What if an emergency vehicle is pulling through with their sirens and lights on, or there’s a road hazard or animal? There’s a reason cars in front of you aren’t moving,” he tells News1130.

“You see in your periphery that the light turns from red to green and you go to advance, not looking up from your phone. But that the laneway might not be clear yet. It’s still a very dangerous thing to do.”

The survey’s findings also suggest men are six times more likely than women to continue distracted driving after receiving a warning or fine. Men are also three times more likely than women to play a game on their phone while stopped at a red light.

The survey was commissioned by Allstate Canada.