Just drive: SGI highlights dangers of distracted driving

Texting, eating a bowl of cereal, watching a movie on the dashboard and even reading a book.

RCMP have seen all kinds of distracted drivers across Saskatchewan. Distracted driving is the number one human factor when it comes to collisions and injuries on Saskatchewan roads. It’s the number two factor in fatal crashes, only behind impaired driving.

Distracted driving is SGI’s traffic safety spotlight in October with the message #justdrive.

“When you’re behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, that deserves your full and undivided attention,” said SGI spokesperson Tyler McMurchy.

Using a cell phone while driving is a $280 fine and four demerit points. Drivers who get two tickets within a one-year time span get their vehicle impounded for a week.

To show the effects of distracted driving and the importance of paying attention on the road, reporters were invited to the RCMP training centre to test their skills on the police driving course.

At RCMP training centre where reporters are going through the course to highlight the dangers of distracted driving. pic.twitter.com/Lk297ASEaX

— Andrew Shepherd (@Andrew5hepherd) October 5, 2018

Several distractions were thrown at 980 CJME reporter Andrew Shepherd, including applying lip balm, taking a selfie and texting it and eating a hamburger, onion rings and a soft drink.

Spoiler alert: I did not do well. https://t.co/aXY32XHlLx

— Andrew Shepherd (@Andrew5hepherd) October 5, 2018