Distracted Driving responsible for nearly 20 per cent of Hamilton collisions

HAMILTON, ON - The City of Hamilton’s recently released 2021 Annual Collision Report indicates that distracted driving was a contributing factor in 19.1 per cent of fatal and injury collisions between 2017-2021. Distracted driving is a concerning trend and has become the leading cause of death on Ontario roads, ranking 15.2 per cent higher than impairment.

The City of Hamilton and Hamilton Police Service coordinate enforcement and education efforts to remind drivers to keep their focus on the road. One of Hamilton Police Services core initiatives is addressing dangerous driving. This includes stunt driving, speeding, distracted driving, and more. Hamilton Police Services continues to monitor driver behaviour across the city, particularly in busy travel areas and areas with higher numbers of vulnerable road users, including community safety zones.

Motorists are reminded to do their part. The City and Hamilton Police Services are encouraging motorists to:

• Set your playlist, podcast, GPS and other entertainment functions before you drive.

• Review directions to your destination before driving.

• Avoid eating or drinking while driving.

• Ensure your Bluetooth is properly connected before departure.

• Prepare children and passengers with everything they need before putting the vehicle into drive.

• Do not text, use apps, take phone calls or check social media while driving.

Quick Facts:

• Nearly 8 in 10 drivers admit to doing something while driving that is distracting. Among the most dangerous distractions are in-vehicle technologies, like a driver’s phone, a car’s console, or voice-activated features (CAA.ca).

• Based on observations made by Hamilton police officers, in 18.4 per cent of all collisions and in 19.1 per cent of fatal and injury collisions in Hamilton, drivers were inattentive (distracted) in 2017–2021.

• Distracted driving related collisions have increased by 2.4 per cent compared with 2016–2020 collision data.

• Hamilton Police Services suggest that the actual percentage of distracted driving collisions is likely higher because it’s difficult to identify whether the driver, cyclist or pedestrian was distracted.

• In 2021, Hamilton Police Services issued 240 tickets related to distracted driving, and so far in 2022 have issued 123 tickets.

• In Ontario, the fine for using a handheld device while driving is $155 and three demerit points.

• With support from Hamilton Police Services, the City of Hamilton continues to remain focused on improving roadway safety through its Vision Zero Action Plan through recognizing that traffic related deaths and serious injuries are preventable. While motorists, pedestrians and cyclists will sometimes make mistakes, through the Vision Zero approach, the City recognizes that policies, roadway designs, speed enforcement strategies and educational initiatives are crucial contributors to reducing the chance of collision and preventing severe injury or fatality as a result of a collision.