Driving? Put down the phone

Here’s a grim statistic: the Ontario Provincial Police say that distracted driving was a factor in more deaths on OPP patrolled roads last year than either speeding, lack of seatbelts, or drunk driving. What’s more, since distracted driving laws took effect in 2009, this trend has held true in every year except 2012.

Clearly, not only are drivers not getting the picture, they seem to be more distracted than ever, despite the severity of the punishment increasing almost yearly.

There is a myriad of things in the modern automobile that can distract us — touch screens, GPS systems, even your morning coffee — but the culprit has been, and continues to be, our cellphones.

It’s no secret that, as a society, we are addicted to our phones. Scan any crowd at an event, or a restaurant, for proof. We crave information, and demand a prompt response from those connected to us. They expect the same immediacy from us.

But while driving? Really? This is ridiculous, and needs to stop. Now.

You would think that a fine of $490 and three demerit points would get the attention of most drivers. Failing that, you would think the possibility of injuring or killing yourself or someone else would act as sufficient deterrent. Yet the numbers continue to climb.

Previous generations saw drivers and passengers forced to buckle up, to much outcry, when experts and society deemed it safer to do so. Consuming alcohol and driving, once common, is now seen by society as strictly taboo, which is as it should be. Changes such as these took time to implement, forcing those who use vehicles to change their habits. Ultimately, our roads are safer because of it.

So if you drive and use your phone, it’s time for a reality check. First, you are a terrible driver when looking at your crotch. There’s too much going on out your front window not to be a part of it. No, you really aren’t that good. And texting while stopped at a red light doesn’t count, either.

Second, you also aren’t that important. The vast majority of texts are mindless drivel anyway, so wait, or pull over someplace safe to respond. Please.

Third, it doesn’t always happen to someone else. A car travelling at 80 kilometres per hour covers over 22 metres each second. So, ‘I only looked down for a second’ doesn’t cut it as an excuse. Things change by the second on the road. Pay attention.

If you have gotten the message and you stay off your phone while driving, congratulations. But we have a new task for you. Convince those around you — other drivers, friends, colleagues, family — to follow your lead and put down their devices. It might save their lives, and yours as well.

Let’s all commit to changing attitudes, starting today.