Manitobans still distracted drivers
On July 15, 2010, Manitoba introduced a law that banned drivers from using cellphones to text, call or otherwise engage in distracted driving activities. After one year of the law and enforcement, a recent CAA Manitoba survey found that more still needs to be done to educate the public.
“Our members have identified distracted driving as the number one road safety concern,” said Liz Peters, Public and Government Affairs Manager for CAA Manitoba. “Even though a full year has passed since the law came into effect, they say that motorist habits haven’t changed much.”
Of the more than 11,000 survey respondents, 99.4 percent said since the law has been in effect, they have still seen motorists talking or texting. More than half of respondents said they see motorists violating the law at least once every day.
Also of concern is the fact that 68 per cent of respondents believe it’s unlikely violators will be caught and ticketed by police.
The other survey highlights include:
- 58 per cent believe demerit points should be added to the $199.98 fine
- 30 per cent admit to talking on their phone while driving since the new law has come into effect
- 14 per cent admit to texting while driving since the new law came into effect
- 48 per cent own a Bluetooth or device that enables them talk hands-free
- 38 per cent say they use that device “only on occasion”
- 49 per cent believe the ban has made our roads safer
Last July, CAA Manitoba endorsed the ban, but cautioned the government and police to bolster the enforcement and ramp up the public education campaign to help drive the message home. Since then, CAA has engaged in several public awareness education campaigns to help achieve that goal.
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