We all know being in a car accident can leave a victim seriously injured, or worse.
Recently, a disturbing trend has been apparent: distracted driving. The temptation to use mobile devices while behind the wheel is inevitable and difficult to enforce. But it is clear these technological advances are putting drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk for serious injuries.
In addition to texting, eating lunch, reading documents, adjusting the GPS, putting on makeup or shaving are all dangerous distracted driving habits.
Police cannot catch and charge everyone. Too often it is too late.
Distracted driving can be proven
Cell phone records can assist in determining who was distracted or not. The data recorders in some vehicles can track speed and braking, which can also be evidence of lack of attention. Lack of skid marks, location of damage and other evidence can also prove distracted driving. Some public or commercial vehicles have dash cameras and of course there are often witnesses.
Of course, multi-tasking does not justify lack of due care and attention when operating a vehicle that can damage or destroy a life. Every victim is someone’s child or parent or sibling.
Safe driving is a legal duty
Safe driving means observing the rules of the road, driving defensively and above all accepting the proposition that distracted driving is dangerous and can have mortal consequences to the driver and passengers or pedestrians.
Safe driving is a legal duty. Negligence is a breach of your duty to your neighbour.
Distracted driving now accounts for the most fatal accidents and has overtaken impaired driving as the country’s leading cause of auto collisions.
The prevalence of distracted driving demands that we all set examples for our families and colleagues. Just as we have learned it is socially responsible not to drink and drive, it is time that we all accepted our duty to give full attention to our driving.
The distracted driving law in Ontario, and its consequences, can be confusing as legislation is updated.
Ultimately, we must all contribute to the best practice of refusing to drive while distracted. Put away the smartphones and drive according to your duty to your neighbours.
