Look out: Most Manitobans concerned about distracted driving

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This article was published 27/06/2024 (477 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A majority of Manitobans say they are concerned about distracted drivers and would support increasing fines to deter them — even though many admit they’ve done it themselves.

The poll, conducted by CAA Manitoba, found 89 per cent of the drivers in the province say they are somewhat or very concerned about the dangers posed by distracted drivers.

The poll also found 57 per cent of drivers support raising fines for distracted driving offences.

The same drivers polled were also honest: 51 per cent said they met the criteria of having been a distracted driver behind the wheel in the past.

“This is a strange message,” said Ewald Friesen, CAA Manitoba’s manager of government and community relations, on Thursday.

“A lot of people are bothered by it, a majority participate in it, and a majority are asking for higher fines … we know distracted drivers are learning about an important issue.”

It is illegal in Manitoba to drive while gripping a hand-held electronic device.

A first-time offence nets a driver a three-day licence suspension. Any offences within the next decade result in a seven-day suspension and drivers have to pay a $50 fee to get their licence back.

Drivers are also hit with a $672 fine and receive five demerits on the Manitoba Public Insurance’s driver safety rating scale, which results in more expensive vehicle insurance.

CAA says collisions caused by distracted driving jumped to 15,000 in 2017 from 2,415 in 2011.

The poll also determined who are most likely to drive while distracted.

“Fifty-seven per cent of distracted drivers are female,” he said. “They’re also a younger, middle-class driver.”

MPI spokeswoman Kristy Rydz said distracted driving was a contributing factor in 38 per cent of fatal motor vehicle collisions in the province between 2013 and 2022, making it the most common contributing factor.

Rydz said distracted driving was ahead of impaired driving, which came in second as the most common contributing factor in 28 per cent of fatal collisions.

“Bringing attention to dangerous behaviours like distracted driving will help drivers be aware of the risk it creates for themselves and others on the road,” she said. “Putting the distractions away and keeping your full focus on driving helps keep Manitoba’s roadways safe for everyone.”

The poll also found 59 per cent of Manitobans have seen for themselves a distracted driving traffic violation or a close call collision.

The top five most concerning driving distractions noted by respondents were: holding a mobile device, watching TV, making a video call, personal grooming, and wearing headphones or earbuds.

The survey, conducted by DIG Insights between Jan. 22 and Feb. 5, interviewed 506 Manitoba drivers 18 years of age and over. The margin of error is plus or minus three per cent 95 times out of 100.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca