TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) today announced the results of the 2024 Travelers Canada Distracted Driving Risk Survey.
Almost half of the Canadian drivers surveyed said they believe roads are less safe than they were a year ago. In fact, most acknowledged engaging in some form of distracted driving, with nearly one-third saying they had been in an accident or had a “near miss” because of their own distracted driving.
The most common types of distracted driving include:
- Reading directions or looking at maps: 72 per cent.
- Talking on the phone using hands-free technology: 67 per cent.
- Eating or drinking: 60 per cent.
“The risk of distracted driving is real and yet entirely preventable,” said Paul Stone, Vice President of Personal Insurance, Sales, Distribution & Marketing, Travelers Canada. “Thankfully, there are simple steps all drivers can take to reduce the risk for everyone on the road, such as setting a mobile device to ‘do not disturb’ mode or leaving a little earlier to avoid rushing to a destination.”
Workplace driving policies matter
Work-related pressure could also be contributing to distracted driving. Among Canadian drivers, 31 per cent said they make work-related calls, texts or emails while driving. Within that group, 44 per cent said they respond because it might be a work emergency, while another 32 per cent said they always need to be available.
Instituting workplace policies that encourage safe driving habits for employees may help minimize risk. More than four-in-five respondents (82 per cent) whose employer has an official distracted driving policy said they comply with it.
Speaking up promotes safer driving habits
Even though conversations about unfocused driving can be uncomfortable, many Canadians said they would be less likely to use a mobile device while driving if a passenger asked them to stop.
- Respondents said they are most comfortable speaking up to a spouse/partner (42 per cent), friend (25 per cent) or parent/guardian (16 per cent).
- They are most apprehensive speaking up to a taxi/rideshare driver (9 per cent), co-worker (8 per cent) or boss/manager (2 per cent).
Parents can help support young drivers
The survey found that 61 per cent of Canadian parents are concerned about their children’s inattentive driving behaviours. Younger drivers, aged 18 to 34, are more likely than the overall population to frequently or sometimes use an interactive map, record videos, take photos, check social media and text, receive calls, shop online or order food, according to the survey results.
Nearly one-in-three Canadian parents said they frequently talk to their teen and young adult drivers about the risks of distracted driving.
“There are three things parents can do to prepare teens and young drivers for the road,” Stone said. “Be a role model, be supportive and stay involved.”
Travelers Canada offers tips and resources that can help teach new drivers about road safety and how to reduce the risk of accidents.
Incentives can help drivers stay focused behind the wheel
Travelers promotes safe driving habits through its IntelliDrive® product that uses a smartphone app to monitor driving performance. Enrollees could save up to 30 per cent on car insurance by demonstrating safe driving behaviour. On the other hand, riskier driving habits may result in a higher premium.
For more information about the survey and ways to reduce distracted driving, please visit TravelersCanada.ca.
About the Travelers Canada Distracted Driving Risk Survey
These findings are from a survey conducted by Travelers Canada from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, 2024, among a representative sample of 1,000 online Canadians between ages 18 and 69 who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-3.10 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
About Travelers Canada
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has more than 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately $41 billion in 2023. Travelers Insurance Company of Canada, The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company and St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company (Canada Branch) are the Canadian licensed insurers known as Travelers Canada. For more information, visit TravelersCanada.ca.
