It seems like a harmless thing - the cell phone is ringing, and all you have to do is answer it. No impact on your driving, right? It's just a conversation.
But it's not just a conversation. It's a distraction - and it's a distraction that can capture your attention at the worst possible time - when a child runs into the road, or the car ahead of you suddenly brakes.
Taking your mind off your driving for "just a sec" at 50 km. per hour means that you aren't driving your vehicle for a space of 14 metres - 35 feet. Your vehicle is driving you.
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35 feet doesn't seem like much, but it's far enough to be unable to react to a change in the traffic ahead or beside you. Multiplied by the two or three or four seconds your inattention will usually last, and it's enough to get into a collision. Or kill someone.
Effective January 1, 2012, the use of handheld electronic devices is against the law in the Northwest Territories. Act now - take the pledge. Leave the cell phone and other electronic devices alone while driving.
For more information on distracted driving in the NWT, please click here, or here for the answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
The Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act
Restricted Electronic Devices Regulations
For more information on distracted driving and safety tips check out these pages:
Canadian Automobile Association Simulator
Canadian Automobile Association Education
Canadian Automobile Association - Driven to Distraction Campaign
Alberta Motor Association
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Government of Alberta Department of Transportation Distracted Driving
Government of Ontario Distracted Driving Research
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