ICBC shares the results of a new survey on driving while distracted

The Underwriter of British Columbia (ICBC) has revealed the results of a new Ipsos study, which found that more individuals in BC are using their phones while driving than last year.

According to the findings of the survey, 43 percent of respondents acknowledged to using their mobile devices during at least one out of every ten travels. In contrast, the percentage of motorists who acknowledged to using their phones while operating a vehicle in 2019 was 33 percent.

According to ICBC, despite the fact that many drivers are aware of the dangers associated with using their phones while driving, there has been a noteworthy increase in the practice. According to the findings of Ipsos’s survey, 73 percent of people believe it is conceivable that they could be caught by the authorities while handling an electronic device.

The following are some further important results from the report:

59% of drivers believed that there are instances when it is “absolutely safe” to chat on the phone while driving, while 42% of drivers indicated that there are times when it is “completely safe” to text while driving.

87% of respondents stated that they would feel humiliated if other people knew that they texted while driving, and 86% of respondents stated that they would similarly feel embarrassed if other people knew that they chatted on the phone while driving.

21% of drivers in British Columbia have acknowledged to texting while behind the wheel in the past month, and 19% have admitted to chatting on their phones without the use of a right hand device.

According to the data provided by the national police, ICBC found that distracted driving causes for more than one in four fatal accidents in British Columbia, and it results in the loss of 76 lives annually.

According to Lindsay Matthews, vice president of customer experience and public affairs for ICBC, “Keeping your attention on the road should be your primary priority when you’re behind the wheel.” “No phone conversation or text message is worth putting yourself as well as other people on the road in danger,” the sign read. Take a break from your phone when you’re driving so that you can set a good example for others around you. While you’re while behind wheels, put your phone in the ‘do not disturb’ or silent state, and make sure it’s out of reach and out of sight. Everyone has a part to play in making the roadways safer for everyone else.

The results of the study have been released at the same time that ICBC and the police have begun a month-long campaign to persuade motorists to put their phones away while they are operating a vehicle. As a component of the campaign, the authorities will take additional measures to crack down on traffic violations, and members of the community will participate in “Cell Watch” installations.

According to Chief Constable Neil Dubord, chair of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Commission, “To ensure that we are keeping our roads and highways safe for everything, education and regulatory oversight exercises begin today throughout BC as part of our fall distracted driving campaign.” “To help guarantee that we are attempting to keep our roads and highways safe for everybody and,” “These initiatives by the law enforcement and the communities are vital since distracted driving remains one of the most dangerous driving behaviors harming road safety in British Columbia,”

“Any loss of life due to concentrated driving-related crashes is reprehensible,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General of Canada. “Any loss of life is abhorrent.” “There are no justifications for driving while distracted, and there is no justification for checking your phone, that can be considered more important than the health and safety of your fellow British Columbians.” When behind the wheel, drivers have the responsibility to put safety ahead of convenience.