External environments, cell phone use (texting, talking, and emailing), and changing console settings/infotainment systems are the top factors distracting Canadians when driving a vehicle, according to a web survey conducted by Ad Hoc Research for Desjardins.
“Every fatality and every injury on our roads is one too many. We all have a responsibility to keep our roads safe by creating a distraction-free environment, staying sober while driving, and better understanding the benefits — but also the limitations — of vehicle safety technologies,” said Valérie Lavoie, President and Chief Operating Officer, Desjardins General Insurance Group.
According to the company’s infographic, more drivers admit to using a cellphone while driving: 53 per cent in 2020 versus 38 per cent in 2018. As for vehicle safety technologies and its ability to help reduce the possibility of a collision, 46 per cent of survey respondents believe Canadians over-rely on these technologies.
However 69 per cent trust the technology, although 79 per cent think there should be more education on these features and how to use them — this, among Canadians 35 years old and up. Seventy-two per cent do not trust self-driving vehicles.
Thirty-two per cent of Canadians report having safety technologies in their vehicle — features like lane departure, front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, or some level of autonomous driving.
Asked what would stop people from driving distracted, 41 per cent indicated that getting into a motor vehicle collision would do the job, followed by increased fines (26 per cent), and the possibility of auto insurance premiums going up (if fined) at 21 per cent.
The survey included 3,104 respondents aged 16-74 years old.
