More Canadians admit to using cell phones while driving than a decade ago

The number of Canadian drivers that admit to using their cell phones while behind the wheel increased 15.8% since 2001, according to the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF).

In a recent Road Safety Monitor poll, TIRF found that more than a third (36.3%) of Canadian drivers admitted to using their cell phones while behind the wheel in the last seven days, marking an increase from the 20.5% that reported doing so in 2001.

TIRF suggested that the increased accessibility and affordability of cell phones and the popularization of hands-free devices and accessories contributed to the increase.

But any time spent focused on non-driving related tasks while behind the wheel puts drivers and other road users at risk, TIRF continued.

“Available research generally estimates that driver distraction is a factor in 20% to 30% of road crashes,” explains Robyn Robertson, TIRF president and CEO.

“Self-reported data from our survey showed that more than a quarter of all survey respondents had to brake or steer to avoid being in a collision because they were distracted by something inside or outside their vehicle in the last month. Taking your eyes and attention off the road for even a few seconds can increase crash risk.”

While the number of Canadians using their phones behind the wheel has increased in the past decade, it appears they are using their phones for shorter periods of time.

Sixty-five per cent who reported using their cell phone while driving, said they used it for 10 minutes or less in the past week. In 2001, only a little more than half (57.5%) of the 20.5% of those who used their phone while driving said they used their device for 10 minutes or less.