Impaired driving remains number two concern
Texting while driving has pushed ahead of impaired driving as the biggest single traffic safety concern for Canadians, a Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) poll has found.
The CAA poll of over 6,000 Canadians found that 85 per cent of respondents feel texting while driving is the number one road safety issue today. Impaired driving remains the number two concern at 83 per cent.
“This is a remarkable development in a relatively short time," said Jeff Walker, CAA vice-president of public affairs. “Impaired driving has long been far and away the greatest concern and texting while driving has really only emerged as an issue over the past couple of years."
The CAA survey also shows that young Canadians, disproportionately those under 30, are texting while driving on a frequent basis.
Seven provinces have implemented legislation banning texting while driving, but almost all these laws are relatively new.
“Legislation alone will not solve the issue. Enforcement along with public awareness and education are required, as well as a change in how we as a society view the habit,” said Walker. “It is a matter of our society making the practice of texting while driving socially unacceptable.”
