Distracted driving

Put the phone down. Drop the fries. Skip the screen.

You might think it’s no big deal, but every beep, buzz, bite, and backseat convo adds up when you’re behind the wheel. When you’re distracted, you’re more likely to miss a stop sign or light, drift between lanes, or overlook someone in a crosswalk. You may not even realize you’re doing it…until it’s too late.

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving is anything that diverts your attention from the road for more than 2 seconds. It happens more often than you think, and includes:

Checking a text
Skimming a notification
Arguing with your GPS
Digging for snacks
Turning to talk to your passenger
Interacting with your display screen (even to skip that song)

The most dangerous – and totally avoidable – distraction? Using your phone. Using a device while driving is a risky move that could cost you (or someone else).

You’re not a multi-tasking marvel when you’re behind the wheel

When you’re behind the wheel, your only job is to focus on the road. Distracted driving is dangerous driving. Here’s why:

Reduced reaction time: When you’re not looking at the road, you take away the time you may need to react to something unexpected. These few seconds can be the difference between preventing a crash or causing one.

Increased risk of collisions: Distractions can cause you to swerve, run red lights, or fail to notice other road users, like pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcycle riders, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Fatal consequences: Being distracted while driving, even just for two seconds, is all it takes to cause a fatal crash. On average, one in three deaths on Manitoba roads involves a distracted driver.