Focus on the road

Traffic Safety Coalition launches anti-distracted driving campaign

THORNHILL, ON, Aug. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - If you miss something on the road you may end up missing a whole lot more. Recent statistics show that drivers who text while behind the wheel are 23 times more likely to crash their vehicle and drivers who talk on their phone are 4-5 times more likely to be involved in a collision. That is why CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and other Traffic Safety Coalition partners are launching "Missing", a four week long anti-distracted driving campaign.

"We urge all drivers to always focus their attention on the task of driving. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a second, is enough to change the rest of your life," said Teresa Di Felice, Director of Government & Community Relations, CAA SCO.

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness regarding high-risk driving behaviours and encourage safe driving habits in order to help reduce collisions and fatalities on our roads.

"Distracted driving is a growing problem on our highways. If you drive when you are distracted, you are putting yourself, your passengers and other members of the public at risk, often with deadly consequences. You can make a difference by pulling over to a safe location before using or answering the telephone and by refusing to engage in any type of activity that takes your full attention away from driving," said Don Bell, Chief Superintendent, Highway Safety Division, OPP.

"Ontario has the safest roads in North America and we are committed to maintaining our positive record. I believe this campaign will teach Ontarians the dangers of distracted driving, reduce preventable incidents, and help keep our roads safe for our families," said Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Transportation.

Top 10 tips to reduce distractions:

Before you drive:

• Turn off your smartphone
• Stow and secure loose objects
• Pre-set climate control and radio
• Pre-program your route on GPS

While you are driving:

• Allow phone calls to go to voicemail
• Do not text, surf the web or read emails
• Do not eat, drink or smoke
• Do not fix hair or apply makeup
• Keep two hands on the wheel for better control
• Keep your eyes on the road

The fine for using a hand-held device while driving is $155. For more information on the most common distractions and how to reduce them, visit www.caasco.com/distracted.

SOURCE: CAA South Central Ontario

Media contact: Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Specialist, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone] or Jeff LeMoine, Communications Specialist, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].

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