IBC applauds action to curb distracted driving in Alberta

EDMONTON, March 24, 2015 /CNW/ - Drive Now. Text Later. Live Longer. That is the message Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is sending Canadians across the country. Statistics from Alberta Transportation show that distracted drivers are three times more likely to be in a crash than attentive drivers. IBC strongly supports all efforts to decrease the dangerous practice of texting while driving.  

"We thank MLA Moe Amery for his leadership on this issue and applaud the Alberta legislature for the unanimous support of Bill 204. It is a step in the right direction to curb distracted driving," said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western & Pacific, IBC. "The insurance industry has long been a leader on road safety. Many of today's most effective road safety measures, like the use of seatbelts and stiffer penalties for impaired driving have been the result, in part, of insurer advocacy."

Fewer distractions will lead to safer roads. According to a Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study, drivers engaged in text messaging on a mobile device are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near crash event compared with drivers who are not texting.  Bill 204 will increase fines for distracted driving from $172 to up to $250 and will result in the deduction of three demerit points upon conviction.  

"Distracted driving puts the safety of everyone on the road in jeopardy. We hope that this Bill and continued efforts to raise awareness will help bring an end to distracted driving," added Adams.

To learn more about Bill 204 click here and to get more information on the dangerous of distracted driving visit www.ibc.ca.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 billion.  

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_West or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2-ASK-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

To schedule an interview, please contact: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (office), 647-384-9872 (after hours), [email protected]