## crash fact 

Studies show that drivers who are talking on a cell phone lose about 50 per cent of what is going on around them, visually. When you are stopped at an intersection or slowed in traffic, you are still driving. 

Source: IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety). 

## Keeping focused 

When you are driving, your mind and senses should be focused only on driving. Distractions can affect your hazard perception and your reaction time. 

To help you concentrate on driving: 

• Leave your phone alone while driving, turn it off and put it somewhere it won’t distract you. 

• No call or text is so important it’s worth risking your life. Let calls go to voicemail and ignore your text messages while driving. 

• Pull over and stop your car if you need to use your cellphone or other electronic device. 

• Pull over and look after whatever is distracting you — check the map and figure out the best route, look for the music you want to play, send a text message, etc. 

• Assign a designated texter. Ask your passengers to make or receive calls and texts for you. 

• Make a ‘text stop’ at highway rest areas, some of which now provide free Wi-Fi. 

## Cellphones and other devices 

All B.C. drivers, including those in GLP, are prohibited by law from using hand-held electronic devices while driving. You may not: 

• operate, view or hold hand-held cellphones or other electronic communication devices, 

• send or read emails or texts, 

• operate or hold hand-held music or portable gaming devices, and 

• manually program or adjust GPS systems while driving. The law applies whenever you are in control of the vehicle — even when you are stopped at a red light or in bumper-to-bumper traffic. 

GLP drivers are also restricted from operating hands-free electronic devices while driving except calling 9-1-1 to report an emergency. The greater restrictions help GLP drivers stay focused on the road while building driving experience. This means no use of personal electronic devices at any-time, including hands-free phones except calling 9-1-1 to report an emergency.  GLP drivers who receive one ticket will have their driving record reviewed and may face driving prohibitions. 

## Strategies: Leave your phone alone 

