For the months of January and February, SGI is focusing on how to avoid collisions, with driver distraction as one of the key contributing factors.

SGI Spokesperson Tyler McMurchy says when people think of distracted driving, using a cellphone is what comes to mind. He says although that is a major distraction, there are many other things that can avert your attention.

McMurchy says eating, drinking, grooming, applying makeup, and a noisy passenger are other potential distractions that could land you a penalty $580 and four demerit points for a first offence. A second offence gets you a $1400 ticket, four demerit points, and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

“There’s no law that specifically says you can’t talk to a passenger, can’t eat a French fry, can’t take a sip of coffee, anything like that. Your primary focus needs to be on the road,” he informs.

He adds that although being distracted is a significant source of collisions, it is also likely underreported.

“There’s no breath test, there’s no blood test, that can determine after the fact that a driver was distracted. Police obviously do have ways of investigating collisions that can indicate driver distraction or if inattention was a factor.”

He adds that it only takes a few seconds of inattention for something bad to happen, and it’s really important to be alert and keep your focus on the road.