Manitobans admit to using cellphones while driving

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Manitobans admit to using cellphones while driving

MPI provides police $120,000 to target distracted drivers in February.

February 7, 2012

Manitoba drivers are not putting down their handheld devices, according to a recent Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) survey. In efforts to reduce distracted-driving collisions, MPI is providing $120,000 in funding to police agencies (Winnipeg Police Service, RCMP and Brandon Police Service) to conduct targeted, dedicated enforcement towards distracted drivers during the month of February.

“Manitoba Public Insurance’s objective is to help raise awareness that if drivers choose to drive while using a handheld device, there are consequences,” said Ted Hlynsky, vice president, claims control & safety operations, MPI. “There’s a human and economic cost associated with distracted driving crashes. A texting driver is 23 times more likely to get into a collision than a non-texting driver.”

Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act was amended in July 2010 to prohibit drivers from using any hand-operated electronic device (including cellphones) while driving. Drivers caught doing so by police will receive a ticket of $199.80. Manitoba law does allow the use of hand-free devices.

“Research clearly states that using hand operated electronic devices and driving don’t mix,” said Winnipeg police service chief Keith McCaskill, who noted nearly 5,000 provincial offence notices for illegally using a handheld electronic device while driving have been issued by his officers since July 15, 2010.

MPI Survey Highlights

Nearly 40% of respondents admitted to using a handheld device while driving, said Hlynsky. A total of 800 Manitobans participated in the MPI commissioned survey.

“Many people reported using their cellphone at least once in the last 10 times they drove,” said Hlynsky. “They explained the purpose of their call was either work or speaking with a family member. A total of eight in 10 respondents acknowledged using a hand held cell phone is a serious problem.”

Additional highlights from the poll are:

92% think it is likely for a driver to get into an accident when using a hand-held cell phone while driving, including 59% who say it is very likely
When asked to name a single greatest driving problem in Manitoba 26% cited speeding/driving too fast for conditions, 23% cited cellphone use while driving, 21% said drinking and driving, 17% said drivers not paying attention