B.C. drivers seem to be getting the message that using a cellphone or other hand-held devices while driving is extremely dangerous.
A new Ipsos Reid survey conducted on behalf of ICBC found that nearly nine in 10 respondents (87 per cent) believe texting or emailing while driving is one of the most risky things we can do behind the wheel - in fact, 76 per cent believe it's just as dangerous as drinking and driving. The majority (65 per cent) view talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving as very risky behaviour, and 50 per cent believe it's just as dangerous as drinking and driving.
"We know that the injuries and fatalities that result from distracted driving are preventable," said Shirley Bond, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General in a news release. "We all play an important role in making our roads safer. As government, we have established aggressive legislation and police have done a good job of enforcement. But everyone needs to use his or her common sense and take action. Think about your friends, family and colleagues, and set an example -driving is a complex task that requires our full attention and when we drive distracted the results can be deadly."
While the majority of survey respondents recognize the dangers, about 16 per cent admitted they've talked on a hand-held cellphone while driving over the last 12 months. And about one-in-10 (nine per cent) confessed they've texted or emailed on a hand-held device while driving.
More than 50 per cent of those surveyed reported they see other drivers violating the restrictions on using hand-held devices "several times a day." And about 20 per cent said they see other drivers violate the restrictions "about once a day."
Why do drivers still talk on a hand-held cellphone while driving? Among those who admitted such behavior, the main excuses were, "I use the speaker function" (42 per cent), "It was a very short call" (42 per cent), "I pulled over after answering the call" (37 per cent) and "I was stopped at a red light," (29 per cent). Other reasons given included, "Not having a hands-free device" or, "It's simply a force of habit."
To see the full Ipsos Reid survey on driver distraction, visit http://www.ipsos-na.com/news-polls/pressrelease.aspx?id=5312.
- Submitted
