Distracted driving is in the spotlight for February

Research indicates that driver distraction contributes to 20 to 30 per cent of all collisions and distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a collision than attentive drivers. Distracted driving literally impairs your driving ability.

Here are some tips to avoid distractions:

• Use a cell phone only if the vehicle is parked in a safe place. If the phone rings while driving, have a passenger take the call or let it go to voice mail.

• Take a rest stop to eat or drink.

• Avoid emotionally charged conversations with passengers as it may lead to erratic driving behaviour.

• Never take notes, use a laptop, or text-message while driving.

• If you need to attend to a child or pet, find a safe spot to park the vehicle
  before doing so.

• Avoid programming electronic devices like mp3 players and GPS units while driving.

Learn about the dangers of multi-tasking while driving in the Asphalt Jungle.

Listen to Doctor Boris Blotski describe how distractions impact drivers during the rush hour.

What are the worst distractions? Find out in the Distracted Driving Report.