If you're texting while driving, you might as well just put a blindfold over your eyes for five seconds. That's the message Greater Sudbury Police are sending to young drivers this week as part of National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs Oct. 16-22.
The GSPS has partnered with the Sudbury & District Health Unit and Parachute Canada to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving among the city's youngest motorists.
Parachute Canada is focused on distracted driving during this year's national campaign because, the organization says, it is a factor in almost 19 per cent of all fatal collisions involving teen drivers.
And if you think using a device hands-free is better, think again, police say.
"Imagine driving the length of three football fields at a speed of 50 km/hour while not paying attention," said a GSPS news release. "It would last about 27 seconds, which is how long mental distraction can linger after using voice commands on a hands-free device."
The Greater Sudbury Police Service, Sudbury & District Health Unit and Parachute are calling on all Greater Sudbury teens to #GetHomeSafe.
Police point to a sobering statistic in making their point: Teens make up just 12 per cent of licensed drivers in Canada, but account for approximately 20 per cent of all road-related injuries and deaths.
“Our Shared Commitment to Community Safety and Well-being begins with providing our teens with the education and resources to make the responsible choice and drive without distraction. We want all of our roadway users to #GetHomeSafe,” said Chief Paul Pedersen.
