#UnplugAndDrive campaign draws attention to distracted driving, its dangers and solutions

CAA-Quebec and its Canadian counterparts are drawing attention to the problem of distracted driving, its dangers and solutions with a rhino, an octopus, a pelican, and bears. These quirky animals are the stars of a new awareness campaign aimed at young drivers.

The social media campaign is aimed at 16- to 24-year-olds and gets straight to the point: “Unplug and drive.” The most common cause of distracted driving is cellphones (1), ahead of shaving and putting on lipstick. And yet…

• About 26% of all crashes involve cellphone use, including using a cellphone hands-free (2).
• 47% of Canadians admit that they have typed out or used the voice-memo feature to send a message while driving. (3).
• When you send or read a text message, you take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 90 km/h, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed (4).
• Drivers have about twice as many accidents when using a cellphone compared to driving without any distractions (5).
• Food for thought: 87% of people are of the opinion that Quebec drivers are very often distracted, while only 9% of Quebec drivers admit to being distracted at the wheel (6).

Driving is a complex task

Driving a vehicle is a complex task that requires your full attention and the best of your abilities. Taking your eyes off the road for more than 2 seconds doubles your risk of a crash (7).

Drivers must control their environment so that they can concentrate on the road—or risk having the police remind them. The fine for using a cellphone while driving is $300 to $600 and 5 demerit points, which will make it cost more to renew a driver’s licence. Drivers who commit a repeat offence within a 2-year period will have their licence suspended.

CAA-Quebec tips for cellphone use while driving

• Find out what is and is not allowed for cellphone use while driving, according to the Highway Safety Code.
• Keep in mind that while using a cellphone or onboard computer in certain ways may be possible or even permitted, it is not necessarily recommended.
• You are allowed to use voice commands, but keep in mind that doing so is not a great idea since it is still a distraction.
• Use a “designated texter.”
• Turn on “Do Not Disturb While Driving” on your phone to block notifications. You can also send automatic messages to callers informing them that you are behind the wheel.
• Use the UPP method to continue to enjoy the features of the onboard computer while limiting distractions.

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^Sources

(1) Enquête sur la distraction au volant et le port de la ceinture de sécurité 2007-2015 (in French only)

^{(2) National Safety Council (United States)}

^{(3) CAA survey, 2020}

^{(4) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration}

^{(5) AAA Foundation for Highway Safety, 2018}

^{(6) Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec}

^{(7) AAA}