The Insurance Bureau of Canada says distracted driving has become a major issue in New Brunswick and across the country.
The IBC is one of several partners taking part in a new distracted driving awareness campaign with the Saint John Police Force.
Graham Little, manager of government relations (Atlantic), said with the growing use of technology, they have seen more distracted driving-related claims.
“Above and beyond the fact that you can cause serious bodily harm to yourself and the other people in your vehicle and other drivers, having an infraction like a distracted driving ticket can increase your rate on an annual basis,” said Little.
Figures provided by the IBC show drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash when texting and four times more likely when talking on the phone, even when using a hands-free device.
Those crashes lead to higher insurance premiums, but not just for those who are deemed to be at-fault, said Little.
“Insurance is a pool of risk and as the risk profile of that pool increases, rates increase for everyone,” he said.
Little has one important message for those thinking about using their phone while behind the wheel: don’t.
“Whatever it is that’s happening on your phone isn’t as important as arriving at your destination alive or getting your children to school or making sure that somebody else’s children are safe on the road,” he said.
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