It’s Distracted Driving Week in Saskatchewan.
In Saskatchewan over the last five years, an average of 780 people are injured annually by distracted driving, while about 22 people are killed per year.
“Those numbers do represent a significant improvement from a decade ago, but we do know that still far too many people are being hurt and far too many being killed these days when it comes to distracted driving,” said SGI spokesman Tyler McMurchy. “That’s something that we want to remind people about.”
McMurchy says while it has changed over the years, distracted driving can take many forms such as smartphones, smart watches, other passengers, pets, makeup, and cigarettes.
In a news release, SGI says “throughout this week, the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) is delivering a number of its Drop It And Drive® (DIAD) distracted driving and distractions in the workplace presentations to workplaces, law enforcement, policymakers as well as high school and university students in the province.”
“Our most recent Road Safety Monitor on distracted driving showed a concerning increase since 2018 in the percentage of Canadians reporting talking on a handheld device while driving and texting while driving,” shares Robyn Robertson, TIRF President & CEO in the release. “We are grateful to the Government of Saskatchewan for recognizing the importance of raising awareness about the risks associated with distraction on the road and in the workplace. Their leadership in dedicating a week to provide its citizens with access to TIRF’s research and tools to reduce preventable collisions is applauded. TIRF’s award-winning DIAD education program has reached more than 60,000 youth, communities, and workplaces across North America since 2010 and we’re excited to bring this program to Saskatchewan.”
Distracted Driving Week ends this Saturday (Sept. 24).
