Distracted driving poses a significant risk on the roads, extending beyond the commonly associated use of cell phones. Engaging in any activity that diverts attention from driving can lead to accidents and consequences. In this article, we delve into the various forms of distracted driving and shed light on the true costs of receiving a distracted driving ticket in Alberta.
What is Distracted Driving?
Most would probably see distracted driving as using your phone (talking, texting, playing games, changing a song, etc.). This however, is not the only form of distracted driving. Distracted driving is any action (or inaction) that would take your focus off of the road and your surroundings. This includes but is not limited to:
- Using other electronics (laptops, video games, cameras, etc.)
- Entering information on a GPS unit
- Reading printed materials
- Writing, printing, drawing, etc.
- Personal grooming (flossing, combing hair, brushing teeth, clipping nails etc.)
- Eating or drinking
- Smoking
- Being distracted by a passenger
While distracted driving is most commonly penalized for the use of a cell phone, an officer may use their discretion to penalize other behaviors or activities deemed distracting. Note, that being distracted by another passenger can earn you a distracted driving ticket. If you turn around in your seat to speak with, or yell at, a passenger in the back seat, that could earn you a distracted driving ticket.
In 2017 the Alberta government released this PSA on distracted driving. It highlights how distractions go beyond a phone.
How Much Does a Distracted Driving Ticket Really Cost
Now that we've firmly established what distracted driving is, it's time to talk about the penalty. In Alberta, a distracted driving ticket is $300 and will earn you 3 demerits on your licence. This is already not a great starting point, but that's what it is, the starting point.
Most insurance companies consider distracted driving to be a major conviction. Major convictions can raise your auto insurance premiums by 25% or more for 3 years from the date of conviction. More information on convictions available here.
Let's say you pay $2,000 annually for your car insurance with no accidents or tickets. You get a distracted driving ticket and you choose to plead guilty and pay the ticket. That ticket is now on your driving record for three years. Upon the renewal of your insurance, you see the premium jump from $2,000 annually to $2,500 annually. The company you're insured with considers distracted driving a major conviction and charges an increase in premiums to account for that risk.
To try and save yourself a little money, you start calling around asking for different quotes from other insurers, only to find out that they rate distracted driving tickets as a higher risk group than your current provider. Your cheapest car insurance quote comes in at $3,000 annually and your highest quote comes in at $4,400. You decide to stay with your current company and pay the extra difference. This additional cost will stay with you for three years.
Once the extra $500 annually for 3 years has finally come to an end, this distracted driving ticket will have cost you $1,800 in total. In a worst case scenario, you could have seen your premiums increase by thousands for 3 years.
What Other Penalties Come With a Distracted Driving Ticket?
Outside of a $300 ticket and a hefty increase on your insurance, there are even more penalties that can come with a distracted driving ticket. A distracted driving ticket could cost you certain perks on your insurance policy.
If you have a $500 deductible, you could lose that and have it raised to a $1,000 minimum. Some companies will increase your deductible all the way to $2,500. If you have accident forgiveness with your policy, you could lose that perk. If you have loss of use coverage (pays for a rental car if you're in an accident) you could lose that perk too.
Some companies consider distracted driving to be so serious that they will drop your collision and comprehensive coverage from your policy. One distracted driving ticket can have devastating impacts on your insurance.
Why is distracted driving penalized so heavily?
With a firm understanding of how distracted driving tickets have such a major impact on your insurance, we wanted to showcase why it is so drastic. According to the Canadian Automobile Association, distracted drivers are 8 times more likely to be a car accident than a non distracted driver. To put this into perspective, according to the National Safety Council a driver who is exhausted (has gone more than 20 hours without sleep) is only 3 times as likely than a standard driver to get into a car accident.
Is There Any Exception to Using a Phone While Driving?
Yes. There is one exception to using a non hands-free phone while driving. If you need to make an emergency 9-1-1 call, you can do that while driving. This can be done to report an accident, a drunk/impaired driver, or other emergency situations.
Conclusion
Distracted driving involves more than just phone use, encompassing a wide range of activities that divert attention from the road. As responsible drivers, it is crucial to prioritize road safety and remain fully focused while behind the wheel. By understanding the true costs and consequences of distracted driving, we can make informed decisions and take steps to ensure the safety of ourselves and others on the road. Remember, it's not worth the risk—stay focused, stay safe.
