If you knew that you were 23 times more likely to lose your money on a bad investment, you probably wouldn't write the cheque.
So if you know you're 23 times more likely to be in a crash if you text or e-mail while
driving, why would you take that chance?
Let me give you some numbers to help you make the right choice every time you are behind the wheel.
Drivers are four to five times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash if they talk on the phone while driving.
A motorist who is texting or e-mailing while driving is 23 times more likely to be involved in a
motor vehicle incident.
In 2015 alone, driver inattention contributed to at least 88 motor vehicle deaths. That's 88 families and hundreds of friends who had to say goodbye to a loved one because of distracted driving.
Driver distraction is tied with speeding as the leading contributing factor of deaths on British Columbia roads over the past year.
These are the hard facts about distracted driving. It is something so dangerous that earlier this year, the provincial government brought in some of the toughest penalties in Canada.
If these numbers don't make you think twice about distracted driving – maybe the stiff new penalties will.
Consider this: that text, that call or that 'like' will cost you $543 for a first time offence.
That includes the $368 ticket you receive from police and the $175 in driver penalty point fees you'll pay ICBC.
You can be ticketed for distracted driving even if you're idling in traffic.
Furthermore, the financial penalties increase each and every time a driver is caught. If you get caught twice in 12 months, you could face a driving prohibition of up to a year.
For more: www.gov.bc.ca/distracteddriving.
Numbers paint a compelling picture, but it's more powerful to hear from people who have been directly impacted by distracted driving.
In the coming weeks, the provincial government will be working to drive home the message about distracted driving through stories like these and a social media public awareness campaign in partnership with Telus and ICBC.
For more information: https://wise.telus.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/BC-Distracted-Driving-guide-final-1.pdf
Electronic devices aren't the only distraction. Maybe you are multi-tasking, planning dinner on the way home, thinking about a dozen other things, or involved in an intense conversation. Whatever it is – it can wait.
For your safety and the safety of all those around you – I urge you to please leave your phone alone.
Think about the numbers. Are you willing to take that chance? If you choose to drive distracted, it will cost you – one way or another.
Make the safe, smart decision to get home safely at the end of the day.
Mike Morris is the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.