The cost of a quick glance

You may think you have enough time to check your phone, but you don’t. When you’re driving, every text can wait.

You’re driving down a familiar road on your way to a party at a friend’s house. You’re humming along to your favourite song, the sun is shining and everything feels perfect. Then, your phone buzzes in the cupholder. A text – probably from your friend, maybe wondering where you are. 

As you look down to check your phone, you tell yourself there’s time for a quick glance. It’s no big deal. In that split second, a horn blares, something flashes in the corner of your eye, the screech of tires fills the air and then the horrible crunch of metal against metal. 

You never saw it coming.

 

The price of distracted driving 

In Ottawa between 2019 and 2023, 61 per cent of fatal and major injury collisions involved one or more drivers engaging in high-risk driving behaviours, like distracted driving. 

In addition to putting your life and the lives of others at risk, you could also face serious legal penalties for distracted driving:   

• For drivers with an A to G licence, a first conviction for distracted driving includes a fine of up to $1,000, three demerit points and a three-day licence suspension.
• For a first conviction for novice drivers (with an M1, M2, G1 or G2 class licence) the suspension is 30 days.

You may also be teaching those dangerous habits to future generations. According to Parachute Canada, a national charity dedicated to injury prevention, children are more likely to text and drive when they grow up if they see their parents or caregivers using phones while driving. You need to lead by example.  

 

Tips to reduce distractions

• Plan your trip ahead so you don’t need to check for directions enroute.
• Set your phone and smartwatch to ‘Do not disturb’ while you’re driving.
• If you have to check your phone or respond, pull over somewhere safe, well off the road.
• If you have a passenger, give them control of your phone.  

 

Resources 

• Check our website for tips on how to avoid dangerous driving distractions.
• The Ottawa Police Service’s Leave The Phone Alone webpage has information on distraction-free driving, including for young people who are not yet licensed drivers, and a nation-wide campaign to ‘Take the Pledge’.
• The Ontario government has excellent information to help you know what counts as distracted driving and the penalties you could face for it. 

Stay focused on the road. Every text can wait.