More people admit to driving distracted, new ICBC data finds

Despite having some of the toughest distracted driving laws in Canada, it would appear they are not a deterrent for many people in B.C.

A new Ipsos survey finds people are increasingly reaching for their phones while they’re behind the wheel.

“Of those surveyed, 43 per cent of drivers admit to using their phone at least once out of every 10 trips – up from 33 per cent in 2019. This is despite 73 per cent of respondents who think it’s likely they could be caught by police if holding or handling an electronic device while driving,” reads an ICBC statement.

The new data comes as police and the public insurer team up to launch yet another province-wide distracted driving campaign.

Distracted driving is dangerous behaviour that can have deadly consequences, with ICBC saying it’s a factor in more than 75 deaths every year.

Distracted driving in B.C. (ICBC)

Other key findings from the survey found, “59 per cent of drivers agree, to some extent, that it is sometimes ‘perfectly safe’ to talk on the phone while driving, and 42 per cent agree to some extent that it is sometimes ‘perfectly safe’ to text while driving.”

However, despite knowing how wrong it is, the majority of people admit they would feel ashamed if others knew they texted while behind the wheel, while some say they’d feel embarrassed if people knew they talked on the phone while driving.

“Distracted driving certainly comes in many forms and one form that everyone thinks about is the cellphone, but there are other forms of distracted driving such as eating in the car, actually just not paying attention, grabbing something from the floormat, grabbing something from the glove box, or being able to put on make-up,” explained Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord.

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The veteran officer explains distracted driving isn’t just about physically holding your phone, either.

“When it’s mounted, you do have some visibility on that phone, but certainly while you’re driving and the vehicle is being operated, our expectation is your view would be on the road and your concentration would be on the road and not onto the cellphone. If we see someone is concentrating on the cellphone that would be considered distracted, someone would get a fine for that.”

Right now, a fine will set you back $368 and four penalty points. If you have four or more points at the end of a 12-month period, ICBC says you have to pay a driver penalty point premium, which ranges from $252 for four points to $34,560 for 50 or more points.

“Any loss of life due to distracted-driving related crashes is unacceptable. There are no excuses for distracted driving, and there is no reason to check your phone, that outweighs the safety and well-being of your fellow British Columbians. Drivers must prioritize safety over convenience when driving,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth.

The distracted driving legislation was brought into effect in B.C. on Jan. 1, 2010.