Promise to focus on the road

CAA Traffic Safety Coalition launches distracted driving awareness campaign

THORNHILL, ON, July 29, 2014 /CNW/ - A split second is all it takes to dramatically change the rest of your life. That is why the CAA Traffic Safety Coalition is reminding drivers to avoid distractions behind the wheel ahead of the upcoming long weekend.

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) in partnership with members of the CAA Traffic Safety Coalition will launch a six-week long distracted driving campaign encouraging drivers to focus on the road.

"We urge you to talk to your family and friends about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving and to focus on what's important, drving and arriving safely at your destination," said Teresa Di Felice, Director of Government & Community Relations & Driver Education, CAA SCO.

"When operating a motor vehicle, drivers must focus their attention on the road and not on their phones or other electronic devices. Distracted driving is unacceptable in all of its forms and places innocent people's safety at risk. Targeted enforcement campaigns that educate drivers go a long way to help keep York Region's roads some of the safest in Ontario," said Inspector Heidi Schellhorn, York Regional Police.

The CAA Traffic Safety Coalition is asking drivers to make a promise to their family and friends to end distracted driving and focus on the road. Visit www.caasco.com/focus to make the promise and for tips to reduce distracted driving behaviours.

Help reduce distractions behind the wheel:

Before you drive:

• Turn off your mobile device
• Stow and secure loose objects
• Pre-set climate control and radio
• Pre-program your 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 your eyes on the road
• Be aware of pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers
  

As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of more than 1.9 million members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads.

SOURCE: CAA South Central Ontario

Media Contact: Silvana Aceto, Media & PR Consultant, 60 Commerce Valley Drive East, Thornhill, ON L3T 7P9, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]; Follow @CAASCO_News on Twitter for regular updates on wait times, other news and information. #CAAFocus