Alberta residents demanding technology relief from Distracted Driving: Aviva poll
Drivers say texting and driving by others makes them feel unsafe
TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - A groundbreaking new opinion poll of Canadians shows they clearly believe what will stop dangerous texting and driving – and it's not peer pressure or police crackdowns.
Instead, the majority of Canadians in a new public opinion poll by Aviva Canada believe only a technology solution that blocks drivers from using texting and other phone messaging functions while driving will ultimately solve the problem and make roads safer.
Distracted driving kills. More Canadians die on our roads from distracted driving than from impaired driving. The RCMP says that in 4-out-of-5 collisions, drivers have their eyes off the road for just three seconds prior to crashing.
In Alberta, 72 per cent of consumers said they believe only technology will solve this issue. And 70 per cent of Albertans said they would use a technology solution themselves, while 76 per cent of Albertans cent urged insurers, automakers and governments to find a technology answer.
"Albertans clearly don't think social persuasion or law enforcement strategies against distracted driving are working, and they feel technology is the only realistic answer," said Aviva Canada President and CEO Greg Somerville.
Aviva has long fought distracted driving, launching the Driving Change Together campaign in 2015 and increasing its efforts this year by launching the #avivayolo campaign (https://avivayolo.com).
The new Aviva study was conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights and surveyed 1,504 Canadians August 8-13. It is considered accurate within plus/minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 times in 20.
An overwhelming number of Canadians – 95 per cent of national respondents and 95 per cent in Alberta – said texting and driving by others makes them feel unsafe on the roads.
A total of 88 per cent of Canadians (including 89 per cent of Albertans) have witnessed other drivers texting while behind the wheel, while only 22 per cent of respondents (21 per cent of Albertans) admitted texting while driving themselves, including at stoplights or stop signs.
Canadians are aware of efforts to socially stigmatize distracted driving. They are also aware of increased penalties and demerit points. However, only 48 per cent of Canadians think fines and demerits are a deterrent, while only 32 per cent said they think peer pressure will work.
Instead, almost 4-in-5 Canadians – 78 per cent – said they want to see a technology solution that would stop distracted driving by disabling texting and other functions while the driver is behind the wheel. This week (Sept. 19) Apple's new iOS operating system debuted a 'do not disturb while driving' feature. This is progress as almost three-quarters of Canadians (73 per cent) in our poll said they would use anti-texting technology.
#PutDownYourPhone
*NOTE: A pdf copy of the opinion poll results is available from Aviva Canada.
About Aviva Canada
Aviva Canada Inc. is one of the leading property and casualty insurance groups in the country providing home, automobile, leisure/lifestyle and business insurance to 2.9 million customers. A wholly-owned subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, the company has more than 4,000 employees focused on creating a bright and sustainable future for their customers and communities.
Aviva Canada invests in positive change through the Aviva Community Fund, Canada's longest running online community funding competition. Since its inception in 2009, the Aviva Community Fund has awarded $7.5 million to over 250 charities and community groups nationwide. Aviva Canada, bringing over 300 years of good thinking and insurance solutions to Canadians from coast-to-coast.
For more information visit avivacanada.com, the company's blog or Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
SOURCE Aviva Canada Inc.
Media Contact: Bill Walker, Mobile: 416-624-3936, Email: [email protected]
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