Distractions on the road affect everyone, whether it’s a driver, motorcyclist, pedestrian, scooter rider or cyclist. In fact, distractions on the road is an issue facing all Canadians.
National Road Safety Week (May 17-23) kicks off the 2011 safe summer driving season, and it is especially important for drivers to keep their eyes on the road, as vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists) are more prevalent on Canadian roads.
These road users have a greater risk of potential injury or death should they become involved in a collision.
They make up approximately 25 per cent of those killed or seriously injured each year in traffic crashes.
In 2008, 559 vulnerable road users were killed and 3,275 were seriously injured.
Drivers must be aware of pedestrians crossing at intersections and people coming out from between parked cars, especially small children.
During nighttime hours, pay special attention around restaurants and bars as impaired pedestrians may be unpredictable and come out from unexpected areas.
Drivers must also share the road with cyclists and motorcyclists. If distracted by a ringing phone or programming your GPS, it becomes harder to react and avoid potential collisions with vulnerable road users.
It is essential to limit distractions behind the wheel to ensure safety, as well as the safety of other drivers, and that of vulnerable road users.
Distracting activities take drivers’ eyes off the road and they are more likely to be involved in a collision.
Studies show that a driver using a cell phone is more likely to be involved in a collision than a driver who is focused on the road.
Other studies show that dialing and texting carries the highest degree of risk of all cell phone-related activities.
A driver is 23 times more likely to get into a collision if they are texting or typing behind the wheel.
