Distraction on the road

Since 2010 driver distraction has been one of the most frequent causes of road accidents in Quebec, next to speeding and drunk driving. And in 2017, for the first time driver distraction was the leading cause of death on Quebec roads, according to SAAQ’s annual report.

Mobile phone use is the primary source of driver distraction, according to the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec.

The results of a fall 2016 survey by the SAAQ speak for themselves. Despite the fact that all respondents (100%) said that using a cellphone to text while driving is somewhat or very dangerous, some 30% said they text while driving somewhat or very often and 41% said they can’t help but answer a text message while driving.

In 2020 CAA put together a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of driver distraction.

The statistics on driver distraction and its consequences are eye-opening.

Learn more

As of June 30, 2018, it is officially forbidden to use, while driving, any portable device that has a screen and is used for entertainment or transmission information (e.g., phone, MP3 player, GPS navigator), except in a few cases:

• If the driver uses voice commands or a hands-free device;

• If the device is fixed to the vehicle by means of a mount, and the use is solely for controlling vehicle equipment (e.g., the radio) or functions in relation to driving (e.g., display of a route map).

• If the device is placed so as not to obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with driving

• If the device is positioned and designed in such a way that the driver can operate and consult it easily

Penalties that make you think twice

Offending drivers face fines of $300 to $600 plus fees, and receive 5 demerit points.

Repeat offences within two years result in double the minimum fines and immediate suspension of the driver’s licence for 3 to 30 days.

Remember!

Even though certain activities may be permitted by law, it doesn’t mean they’re safe.

Always stay alert and, when in doubt, don’t take any chances.Read our examples of what is and what isn't allowed while driving

• Of the 30 vehicles tested, 23 vehicles generated high or very high levels of overall demand on drivers. 
• The most demanding task for a driver is navigation (GPS) programming, which can take up to 40 seconds!
• Other distracting tasks include texting, selecting music, phone use, etc.
• 70% of U.S. adults want this technology in their cars, but only 24% think that it works well.
  

View the details of the study

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: better but far from perfect!

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Google) software let your cellphone take control of your vehicle’s onboard computer and replace the carmakers’ basic software.

They are easier to use, require less attention and are thus safer than the carmakers’ systems:

• Time needed to fulfil various tasks 5 to 15 seconds less

• Lower cognitive demand, but still “moderate” 

• Distracting, but less so than the carmakers’ basic systems

Consumer demand for in-vehicle tech tools and gadgets continues to grow. People just can’t do without them any longer!

So what’s the solution? Simple: use them more wisely. And here’s the key: the UPP method.

• Understand how your infotainment system works so that you can use it more intuitively. 

• Pair your mobile device with your vehicle’s system to use automated features (e.g., Apple CarPlay, Android Auto) or simply to listen to music.

• Program the system before you drive: prepare a playlist for your trip, enter the destination in the navigation system, etc.

Changing the design and ergonomics of infotainment systems and screens can make a difference, and the AAA is raising automakers’ awareness of this subject. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also issued a set of guidelines, but they are voluntary and not always followed.

Those guidelines state that texting and navigation-programming functions should be disabled when the vehicle is moving. For its part, CAA-Quebec and the CAA-Quebec Foundation are asking that infotainment system screen size and operation be regulated.