Alarming Study Reveals Dangerous Habits of Quebec Drivers
Cars are safer than ever and electronic assists are becoming more and more commonplace. Is that good or bad? We know that many drivers tend to put too much trust in new technologies and are more easily distracted behind the wheel. Complex infotainment systems, even with voice command, are a big part of the problem, but advanced safety tech enabling semi-autonomous driving doesn’t help to keep eyes on the road, either.
A new Léger poll conducted this spring on behalf of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada offers an alarming reality check: 91 percent of Quebec drivers surveyed engage in risky behaviour while driving.
At least they’re aware of it and honest about it!
“We can’t avoid new technology and the changes that come with it; and nor would we want to. Our cars are becoming safer,” says André Parra, Regional Claims Director at Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “However, what we need to do is ensure it’s being used properly, as opposed to creating more distractions for drivers.”
More specifically, close to four out of ten drivers (38 percent) say they use integrated functions to change the music or use the hands-free multimedia option (35 percent) to text or read emails. In addition, a quarter of those surveyed admit to using their phones (25 percent) to make or take a call, text or take a picture, or adjusting the GPS (23 percent) while driving. Furthermore, a third (34 percent) have tried to reach for an object on the floor, in the glovebox or on the rear seat at least once while driving.
Only one out of ten (9 percent) drivers in Quebec say they never engage in risky behaviour behind the wheel. As for distractions, 78 percent claim they are “rarely or never” distracted while driving and 20 percent say they are only distracted “at times.”
How to prevent distracted driving
“A vehicle with extra bells and whistles is all the rage and you never know what the automobile industry will put out next. But driving a vehicle is a huge responsibility and sharing the road with a distracted driver could put the lives of many at risk,” says Denis Talbot, technology expert and spokesperson for the Allstate Canada Distracted Driving Study.
Here are the insurance company’s top five safety tips for drivers to prevent distractions:
- Keep your phone on silent and out of reach—one of the best ways to avoid the temptation to look at it while driving;
- Get directions before you leave, because trying to read a map or program a GPS while driving requires more attention than you can spare.
- Program your infotainment systemby locking in your favourite playlists, setting up your GPS with your most common destinations and of course pairing your smartphone with the vehicle’s system to avoid juggling multiple devices while driving;
- Keep your eyes focused on what’s happening in front of you and your hands on the steering wheel; for any other activity, simply pull over.
- Delegate tasks to your passengers, like entering information into the multimedia system.
