How to Prevent Distracted Driving: Tips for Drivers 2025

Distracted driving is increasing rapidly on ontario roads which can affect the safety of everyone on the road. Distracted driving includes messaging, changing the radio, eating, or talking with passengers, any little distractions can easily move to dangerous situations.

In this article, we provided information about distracted driving, risks, penalties and how you can avoid distraction for safe driving.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving refers to the activity which diverts their attention away from the driving and they focus on something else.

Examples:

Here are some examples of distracted driving,

Texting while driving
Talking on cell phones or with the passengers.
Changing the radio
Listening loud music
Eating or drinking
Smoking
Adjusting mirror
Checking GPS
Reading a map

It’s important to remember that when the driver’s focus shifts away from the road, the risk of accidents increases automatically.

The Impact of Driving and Distractions

Today’s world combines driving with distractions. When drivers see smartphones buzzing with notifications and social media updates, it’s natural that every driver will check the phones while driving. But it’s important to remember that even little things like talking to passengers or changing the radio can take attention away from the road.

To avoid accidents and slow reaction times, it is really important for drivers to focus when they are driving.

In Canada, police officers report that a lot of accidents happen because drivers aren’t paying attention. Even a small mistake, like checking a message, can lead to a big accident. That’s why there are so many campaigns to teach people about the dangers of distracted driving and how to avoid it.

Types of distracted driving:

Distracted driving have many types, the main types include:

Visual Distractions: Any time you divert your eyes from the road, like looking at a phone screen, reading a map will be known as visual distraction.
Manual Distractions: This includes when you take your hands off from the steering wheel, it also includes eating, or adjusting the radio.
Cognitive Distractions: You are distracted when your mind is not paying attention to driving. Cognitive distractions are daydreaming, deep conversations with passengers or thinking about something.
Auditory Distractions: Things that you could hear, like a loud radio or a phone ringing can distract you off from the road.

Distracted Driving Statistics Canada:

Distracted driving is the leading cause of road accidents in Canada. Let’s take a look at some distracted driving statistics from Canada

In some provinces, studies show that distracted driving causes more accidents than impaired driving.
Texting while driving increases 23% more risk for crashing.

Distracted Driving Penalties:

In order to avoid the penalties of distracted driving simply just not use a hand-held device while you’re driving.

Using hand held communication (your mobile phone) or any other electronic entertainment devices (such as a DVD player etc) while you’re driving is against the law.

Holding a phone or some other device while driving is also against the law.

Instead of mobile phones use these:

Hands free device (e.g Bluetooth)
Or a mounted device (e.g. phone, GPS), only when it is secure.

Penalties for A to G License Drivers:

Here’s what you could face if you’re found guilty in distracted driving :

First Crime:	Second Crime:	Third Crime:
Fine of $615, if is confirmed by the court (includes a victim Extra charge and the court fee also)	A $615 fine if is confirmed by the court	A $615 fine if is confirmed by the court
Up to $1,000 if you receive a order or choose to fight the ticket in court and lose	Up to $2,000 if you receive a order or choose to fight the ticket in court and lose	Up to $3,000 if you receive a order or choose to fight the ticket in court and lose
Three loss of points	Six loss of points	Six loss of points
3-days of license rejection	7-days of license rejection	30-days of license rejection

Beginner Drivers (holding a G1, G2, M1, or M2 license):

You’ll face the same fines as fully licensed drivers, but instead of loss points, you’ll be also face longer rejection of license :

A 30-day rejection at a first crime.
A 90-day rejection at a second crime
License will be canceled and removed from the Graduated Licensing System (GLS) after a third crime, and in that case you need to repeat the GLS program to regain your license.

Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving:

Put Your Phone Away: Try to keep your mobile phone out of reach or use an app that keeps silent all the notifications while you’re driving.
Plan Your Route in Advance: Set up your GPS before driving this will help you to free from keep checking the phone while driving.
Adjust Everything Before Driving: Before you start driving, adjust your mirrors, seat, and check the climate, so you don’t get distracted while driving.
Avoid Eating or Drinking: Driving while eating will remove your hands away from the steering and also your mind from the road.
Less talk with passengers: It’s fine to talk with passengers, but avoid getting into deep or emotional discussions that could distract you from the road.
Take Breaks on Long Trip: On long drives, try to take some breaks, rest, and relax yourself. Staying physically and mentally comfortable will help you to stay focused on the road while driving.
Keep both hands on steering: Keep your both hands on the steering wheel this will help you for a quick response in any case of emergency.
Use hands free devices: In any case if you need to pick up the call try to use bluetooth or speakerphone

Why Wait? Choose G Class Driver Today:

With G-CLASS DRIVERS, you’re not just getting driving lessons, you’re investing in your safety and peace of mind. We equip you with the tools, skills, and knowledge to effectively manage distracted driving. Here’s why choosing us is the best decision for your driving journey:

Learn from Expert Instructors: Our passionate instructors specialize in helping you navigate real-life distracted driving situations, ensuring you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
Real-World Experience: It’s not enough to simply learn about distracted driving in theory. We provide practical, hands-on experience, so you can face real-world distractions with confidence.
Stay Updated on Penalties and Rules: Knowing the latest rules and penalties for distracted driving is important. Our instructors keep you informed about the consequences of distracted driving, motivating you to stay focused and prioritize safety.
Defensive Driving Techniques: We also focus on defensive driving, teaching you how to respond safely to distracted drivers on the road. These skills not only help you avoid accidents but also enhance your overall driving ability.

FAQs:

What is a good strategy for distraction-free driving?

Avoid texting, eating, grooming or calling someone while behind the wheel. Plan your route before you go. Programming your navigation system while you drive can take your eyes off the road. It’s better to ask a passenger to do it or to enter your destination before you leave home.

What is the most common cause of distracted driving accidents?

Talking and texting, people who use their cell phones to talk or text while driving are by far the most common reason for distracted driving accidents.

How can you best limit phone distractions while driving?

Power off cell phones and other mobile electronic devices until you reach your destination or pull over in a safe and legal place if you cannot wait to talk or text. Cell phone blocking technology can help by preventing calling, texting, or using the Internet when driving.

What problems are caused by distracted driving?

Distracted drivers can fail to stay in their lane. Distracted drivers can hit pedestrians or bicyclists. Distracted Drivers can lose control of their vehicle. Accidents caused by distracted driving can end lives, and cause financial ruin.

Why am I distracted?

People get distracted for different reasons, some of them internal and some of them external. Internal distractions refer to thoughts and feelings, like stress and anxiety, fatigue and hunger. External distractions refer to outside sources, like technology, working environments and background noise.