The Truth Behind Distracted Driving

During National Safe Driving week earlier this month, there were several online posts and conversations around the topic of distracted driving. In an effort to better inform you, our valuable clients, we thought it may be helpful to share this important information (and more) here.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is defined as the practice of driving a motor vehicle while engaging in another activity, typically one that involves a mobile phone or other electronic device.

What is the law?

The law was proposed in 2008 and officially passed in November 2010. The law applies to all vehicles and all roads in Alberta and restricts drivers from doing any of the following activities while operating their vehicle:

• hand-held devices
• texting / e-mailing
• using electronic devices (including but not limited to laptops, cameras, video games and MP3 players)
• entering information into a GPS
• reading printed materials
• writing, printing or sketching
• personal grooming (including but not limited to brushing and flossing teeth, putting on makeup, curling hair, shaving, or clipping nails)

Drivers can be charged for distracted driving even if their driving performance is not affected by the above activities. If they commit a moving violation while driving distracted (such as speeding or failing to signal), they could receive two tickets: one for distracted driving and the other for the violation. Police officers also have the discretion to charge a driver for distracted driving while engaging in other activities that impair safe driving, such as having their pet sit on their lap while operating their vehicle.

What Activities Are Not Restricted?

The following activities are not currently restricted under Alberta’s Distracted Driving law:

• hands-free mode for your mobile device
• bluetooth/earpieces
• drinking beverages or eating snacks
• smoking
• talking with passengers
• listening to portable audio (as long as it was set up before driving)
• Two way radios (when required by employment)
• GPS display (must be fixed to the vehicle and programmed before driving)

What are the Penalties?

The current fine for distracted driving is $287.00 and three (3) demerit points.

Emergency Vehicles

Emergency vehicles, including police, fire, ambulance and gas disconnection units, are permitted to use their hand-held devices or other electronic devices only during the scope of their employment.

What are the Statistics?

Alberta Distracted Driving Convictions by Year

Alberta Distracted Driving Convictions by Municipality

Distracted Driving Convictions by Age and Gender

Distracted Driving Convictions – Alberta VS Canada

How are Insurance Companies Handling Distracted Driving Convictions?

As insurance companies are all handling risks with distracted driving convictions differently, our Team did some research to find out what our insurer-partners are doing. Here’s the low-down:

Carrier #1

Personal Auto Insurance:

• Considered a minor conviction
• 1 conviction – increase physical damage deductibles to $1,000
• 2 convictions – increase physical damage deductibles to $2,500
• 3 convictions – no physical damage coverage available
• Combination of convictions (ie speeding and distracted driving) – may impact ability to obtain physical damage coverage, or increased deductibles

Commercial Auto Insurance:

• 1 conviction – increase physical damage deductibles to $5,000 + $5,000 deductible for property damage
• 2+ convictions – no physical damage coverage available + $5,000 deductible for property damage
• New business risks with distracted driving convictions must be referred

Carrier #2

Personal Auto Insurance:

• Considered a minor conviction
• Premium surcharged applied (increases with each conviction)

Commercial Auto Insurance:

• As above, however carrier is currently making some changes to their underwriting with respect to distracted driving convictions

Carrier #3

Personal Auto Insurance:

• Considered a serious conviction
• Renewals: no physical damage coverage available on all policy vehicles
• New business: declined

Commercial Auto Insurance:

• Renewals: will not be offered
• New business: declined

Carrier #4

Personal Auto Insurance:

• Considered a major conviction
• Renewals and new business: 1 conviction – 50% surcharge, driving record amended to 3*, no physical damage coverage available

Commercial Auto Insurance:

• Renewals: 1 conviction – 50% surcharge, driving record amended to 3*
• Renewals: 2+ convictions – 100% surcharge for each additional conviction after the first conviction
• New business: declined

Carrier #5

Personal Auto Insurance:

• Considered a major conviction
• Renewals: physical damage coverage not available
• New business: physical damage coverage not available

Please Don’t Drive Distracted!

This video is from the Ontario police department, but illustrates some of the statistics and realities of distracted driving:

An important message from our friends at the Insurance Broker’s Association of Alberta, and the Canada Safety Council: PLEASE STOP DISTRACTED DRIVING.

We hope you have found this information informative and helpful.

Please drive safe,

The Costen Insurance Team