IBC Survey reveals 75% of Canadian drivers are distracted at the wheel

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has released a survey on distracted driving and how dangerous this risk has become in recent years.

The IBC reported that 75% of respondents said they were distracted at the wheel at least once in the past six months. This comes as a shock considering 90% of respondents admitted they are aware that accidents caused by distracted driving can increase auto insurance premiums.

When asked what caused these distractions, 55% of distracted respondents said they were eating and/or drinking while driving, 39% were talking on the phone, and 11% said they were sending text messages.

The most distracted age group was the 35-44-year-olds. Among this group, 87% admitted to being distracted over the past year, compared to 75% for all respondents.

 “We were very surprised to learn that 90% of drivers understand how you drive can result in higher auto insurance premiums. And yet, we were surprised to note this did not discourage risky behaviour and distracted driving,” commented IBC supervisor of public affairs Anne Morin.

Source: IBC: 75% of Canadian drivers are distracted at the wheel