Technological advancements have become one of the most significant concerns with distracted driving. The following are the most common activities that distract the driver from safely operating a vehicle. If not used appropriately, emerging technologies could severely impact traffic safety and driver behaviour. Proper education and training are essential to minimize any losses due to distraction.

Canada and many other governments worldwide have introduced new laws regarding handling these technological changes and their impacts. Dialling phone numbers, talking over mobile phones, texting, emailing, chatting, sharing content, and GPS while driving can cause demerit points, licence suspension, heavy fines, and serious injuries. It is the responsibility of all road users to adapt to these social changes and stay compliant with these new laws and regulations.

All ten provinces plus the Yukon, Northwest, and Nunavut territories now ban hand-held cell phones while driving. However, the penalties vary among these provinces and territories. (CAA, 2020)

(Source: https://tests.ca/driving-statistics/)

• Calling without Handsfree
• Text Reading or Email Reading
• Watching Videos
• Eating and or drinking, including coffee
• Smoking
• Pets or Animals
• Children or Passengers
• Personal Grooming

Distracted driving means an engagement in any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road.

Following are the three different kinds of distractions:

a) Visual distractions

Any activity that causes the driver to take their eyes off the road is checking the GPS or the child’s seatbelt in the rear seat.

Checking the GPS or checking a child’s seatbelt in the rear seat are activities that take the eyes off the road.

b) Manual distractions

These cause drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel. It could be checking the driver's mobile phone, drinking, changing the radio station, BlueTooth settings, or adjusting the temperature.

c) Cognitive distractions

Cognitive distractions occur when the driver's focus decreases. This could be due to stress, fatigue, or other emotional causes. Drivers must take it upon themselves to avoid being distracted while on the road. Being caught using a phone while driving in Canada could result in a hefty fine or a driver’s licence suspension.

Suppose authorities catch a person using a mobile phone in Canada. In that case, a hefty fine or a licence suspension could result.

New distractions are being added to the list every so often, so please review the link below to get the latest distraction regulations, fines and penalties:

MTO: https://www.ontario.ca/page/distracted-driving.