Where distracted drivers set a 2024 record

Manitoba’s public insurer has recorded more drivers having their licences suspended for distracted driving in 2024 than in each of the previous five years.

Those stats post as Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) kicks off its Distracted Driving Awareness Month. It notes 2,817 drivers received three-day suspensions for distracted driving last year, while 150 were suspended for seven days. That’s ahead of 2023, which saw 2,469 three-day suspensions and 98 seven-day suspensions.

“Distracted driving is the number one cause of fatalities on Manitoba roadways,” Maria Campos, vice president and chief customer and product officer at MPI, says in a press release. “Distraction can come in many forms, but when you are driving, that is the only thing you should be doing.”

A bright spot…and the risks

On a positive note, collisions where distracted driving was a factor have declined since hitting a high of 795 across Manitoba in 2022. In 2024, distracted driving was a factor in 675 collisions province-wide. Of all distracted driving collisions over the past three years, approximately 60% of them happen in Winnipeg.

MPI stresses distracted driving leads to reduced reaction time for motorists, which is what makes it so dangerous.

“When you aren’t looking at the road, you don’t have the ability to react to something unexpected, and those few seconds can be the difference between preventing a collision or causing one,” MPI’s press release says. “Being distracted can cause you to swerve, run a red light, or fail to notice vulnerable road users like pedestrians or cyclists, all of which can potentially have fatal consequences.”

And there are simple techniques drivers use take to reduce the risk they’ll drive distracted. These include putting smartphones on a ‘do not disturb’ setting, making sure pets are restrained, and having activities to keep children occupied during the drive. It’s also a good idea to tell passengers your focus will be on the road, and not on them.

In Manitoba, a distracted driving police stop can mean fines up to $672 and a five-level reduction on the province’s Driver Safety Rating scale, MPI says. Repeat offences can lead to a suspended licence. Plus, drivers can be charged with any offences caused by the distraction, such as running a red light.