How The "Distracted Driving Law" Applies to Your RV

October 14, 2011

Canada takes driving while distracted seriously and if you value your life, your money and your time you will too. Almost all of the provinces have passed or are considering passing "Driving While Distracted" (DWD) laws. As of September 2010, eight provinces have banned the use of cell phones entirely while driving and others are preparing to do the same. Many of those laws and bans come with possible jail terms as well as stiff fines. For specific laws in your province visit: http://www.caa.ca/driventodistraction/what/distracted.html

Alberta's distracted driving bill, which comes into effect September 11, 2011, will also ban reading, writing and personal grooming, even at a red light. Fines in most areas range from $172 to no more than $2,000.

If you drive an RV you know that passengers, animals, televisions and other distractions can be even greater than in a car. The law is not there to make driving unfun. It's there to make driving safer for you.

The damage you can do in a car is one thing. The damage you can do in an RV, particularly a Class A or Class B RV or while towing a trailer can be horrific. It's not just your family that could be injured or killed, but the families of those in other vehicles could suffer as well.

While it may be harder for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to spot violations inside an RV, the real issue is not getting away with transgressions, but waking up to the very threat they pose to your safety and your vehicle.

The distracted driving laws are based on a definition that states distracted driving can occur any time a driver's attention is taken away from where they should be focusing their concentration - the driving task." That means petting the dog, changing a CD, road rage or emotional distress of any kind, lighting a cigarette, talking or texting on your cell phone, eating, putting on make-up, watching a pretty girl or handsome guy on the sidewalk or road-anything that takes your mind off of driving.

Why so strict? The most recent data on distractions and driving shows that 8 out of every 10 collisions are caused by driver distractions.

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) believes that distracted driver education should be required for all motorists. They urge training on the full range of distractions leading to a crash, as well as measures to manage those distractions effectively and safely.

Canadian Provinces That Already Ban Handheld Cell Phone Use and Text Messaging While Driving

• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan
• Strathcona County, Alberta

Commercial truckers, police and some emergency services vehicles are exempt from the laws, but that doesn't mean they're any safer for driving while distracted either. Many of them have had classes and training in how to drive while on a radio, CB or phone, but the trade-off is that they're usually on their way to a scene or accident and must be in contact with dispatchers to do their job.

Ways to Ensure You Drive Undistracted

• Most people who drive distracted say they do so because friends, family and loved ones expect them to be immediately available at all times. If you are traveling in an RV let your loved ones know ahead of time that you will not be able t take their calls or respond to their texts when you are driving.
• If you are expecting a call, for example, news of someone who is ill, dying or needs to get in touch with you, plan to stop every 30 minutes and check your messages.
• Plan to touch base and call at specific times throughout the day. This way you know when you'll be in touch and can focus on driving.
• Do everything you need to do before you hit the road. Put on make-up, shave, eat, pet the dog, load your music or set your radio dial while parked in your driveway, campground or parking area.
• Allow time in the morning and evening to take care of chores you might do while driving - like wiping condensation off of the inside of the windshield, setting the GPS or putting on your seat-belt. Do what you have to do before you put the key in the ignition.
• One of the worst times of the day is the end of the day when you're looking for a campground or restaurant or trying to cross the highway to turn into a mall, gas station or other destination. You may be getting out your wallet, checking the time, thinking about what you're getting ready to do or issuing last minute instructions to passengers. DON'T. Wait until the vehicle has come to a complete halt and you are parked before answering questions, asking questions, putting on your coat or collecting your purse and personal items to exit the RV.

The life you save may be the one of someone you love, including your own. Don't drive while distracted whether there's a law about it or not. Stay safe! There's a great wide world to explore out there and we want you to see it!