1 in 4 fatal crashes involves distraction
The Canadian Coalition on Distracted Driving (CCDD) today launched a new web-based information hub. It was designed as a resource with tools to help governments and interested stakeholders develop effective strategies to reduce distracted driving. The hub, which is available at www.diad.tirf.ca/ehub, contains the latest research, statistics and data on distracted driving, laws and penalties in Canada, and a variety of educational tools and resources.
Despite increasing fines and penalties for distracted driving, nearly one in four fatal crashes in 2013 involved distraction. Concern continues to grow as an increasing number of jurisdictions across the country report that distraction is a leading factor in road fatalities.
“(We) are incredibly concerned about the safety of Canadians, their workforce and their families and friends. Everyone has the same questions about the size of the problem, what is known, what data are available and what strategies can reduce distracted driving," said Robyn Robertson, president and CEO of the Traffic Injury Research Foundation. "We designed the E-Hub so organizations can spend less time looking for answers and more time working on solutions."
The CCDD is a coalition of concerned organizations that spans several sectors including education, enforcement, academia, government, health and industry — including insurance, automotive and trucking industries — and the not-for-profit sector.
"Consider that a driver travelling at 100 kilometres per hour travels the length of a hockey rink within just two seconds while distracted. It's easy to see why distracted driving is a recipe for disaster," said Rob Wesseling, president and CEO of the Co-operators, a partner in this initiative.
Work groups involving insurance, enforcement, the trucking industry and health professionals are being established to increase awareness in these sectors and build partnerships to reduce distracted driving.
