Most Canadians engage in dangerous behaviours behind the wheel despite knowing the associated risks, found Travelers Canada’s 2022 Travelers Canada Distracted Driving Risk Survey.

The survey released April 28, found that while 77 per cent of Canadians say that distracted driving is very risky and take every step possible to avoid being distracted, half of respondents admit to talking or using a phone while driving.

Meanwhile, one in five drivers admit they have had a crash, collision or near miss because they were distracted. 

“It is alarming to see a large percentage of people admit to risky driving behaviours, which indicates that more needs to be done to convince people to put their phones away and stay focused while driving,” stated Paul Stone, Vice President of Distribution and Sales at Travelers Canada. “It’s time we rethink our actions and accept the vital role we all play in keeping our roads safe.” 

Work-related pressures may also be contributing to distracted driving, says Travelers Canada. Twenty-nine per cent of those surveyed say they respond to work-related calls, texts or emails while driving. Reasons cited include concern that it might be a work emergency (44%), feeling the need to always be available (30%) and worrying that they will miss something important (28%). 

When asked about expectations within the workplace, 19 per cent of employed Canadians say their employer has an official policy about sending or receiving work-related phone calls, texts or emails while driving. “When an employer has a policy in place, the majority (87%) of employees report that they always or usually comply with it. This suggests that having a policy in place is an effective way to mitigate dangerous driving behaviours when it comes to work-related distractions,” says the insurer. 

The survey also revealed that drivers are more likely to correct their dangerous behaviours when passengers speak up, with 86 per cent of respondents who use a phone while driving saying they would be less likely to do so if a passenger mentioned it. However, the likelihood of passengers saying something depends on who is behind the wheel. For example, the survey found: 35 per cent of Canadians would speak up to a spouse or partner; 23 per cent would speak up to a friend; 7 per cent would speak up to a co-worker and 2 per cent would say something to a boss or manager. 

The survey was conducted April 4-7, 2022, among a nationally representative sample of 1,010 Canadians – all members of the online Angus Reid Forum.