Your Family Isn’t Built for a Crash
National Safe Driving Week

Every time we get behind the wheel, we're not just responsible for our own lives but also the lives of our loved ones. The road can be an unpredictable place, and collisions happen at a rate high enough that our family’s safety needs to be top of mind at every moment.

December 1 – 7 is National Safe Driving Week and the Canada Safety Council, in partnership with the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada, are reminding you that your family isn’t built for a crash.

“The foundation of driving safety lies in recognizing the significance of our actions. Our families represent more than just a collection of individuals; they constitute a network of love, support and cherished moments,” said Gareth Jones, President and CEO of the Canada Safety Council. “Every choice we make while on the road directly affects their well being.”

The statistics

According to Transport Canada’s 2021 Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics, the most recent year for which this data is available, there were 1,768 motor vehicle fatalities across Canada. This represents an increase of 1.3 per cent over the 2020 figures, which saw roughly 20 fewer fatalities.

With Transport Canada estimating approximately 20 per cent of road deaths being partially or wholly attributable to distraction, this calculates out to roughly 353 road fatalities caused by driver inattentiveness in the country in 2021.

The issue

Distracted driving is a well-established topic in the sphere of driver safety. It is defined as any action that takes the driver’s attention away from the road, causing them to focus their attention elsewhere.

“There are many ways to become distracted in a car and it only takes a moment for an accident to occur,” said Grant Wainikka, IBAM CEO. “That is why this educational campaign is so important. It serves as an important reminder to drivers to put family safety first and keep your eyes on the road. The stakes are too high, and no distraction is worth the risk.”

Manitoba statistics

According to data from Manitoba Public Insurance, this high-risk driving behaviour is a contributing factor in more than 12,000 collisions annually. Sadly, 32 Manitobans are killed in these collisions, with approximately 150 individuals suffering serious injuries each year.

“We know that one in three deaths on Manitoba roads involve a distracted driver. This tragic statistic highlights the need for drivers to focus their attention solely on the responsibility of driving while behind the wheel,” said Marnie Kacher, MPI’s interim President and CEO. “MPI urges all drivers to do their part to make our roads safe for everyone by not driving distracted.”

Tips to Keep the Family Safe

To help stay safe on the road, here are some crucial steps we can take as everyday Canadians:

• Stay focused on the road. Driving is a task that always requires full attention, so don’t overestimate your ability to multitask. Put away your phone, avoid eating behind the wheel, avoid difficult or distracting conversations, and keep your focus where it belongs: on the road.
• Use seatbelts. Always wear your seatbelt, and ensure all passengers do the same. Seatbelts save lives. Transport Canada reports that only five per cent of Canadians do not wear their seatbelts, however they are disproportionately represented in driver fatalities, to the tune of 28.6% in 2021.
• Respect speed limits. Speed limits are designed to keep road speeds manageable and to limit the impact in case of collision. Slow down and obey the limits in all conditions, adjusting for conditions where appropriate. Limits represent maximum speeds, not minimums.
• Maintain your vehicle. Regular maintenance checks are of vital importance. Make sure your brakes, tires, lights, and signals are all in good working order. In the event where you may need to make a sudden maneuver, it’s important both to be able to trust your vehicle and to ensure visibility.
• Keep a safe following distance. Maintain a following distance of three seconds or more from the vehicle in front of you. This gives you time to react in case of sudden stops, emergencies, or unpredictable behaviour from other road users.

The dangers of distracted driving cannot be taken lightly. By recognizing the hidden risks and making a conscious effort to prioritize road safety, we can collectively create safer roads for ourselves, our families, and the families that make up our community.