The RCMP wants to make sure that young drivers in Alberta are safe while they are out of school and on the road, and one key way to stay safe is to not drive distracted.

"We want to get the message across to the young drivers now, because we want them to learn that distracted driving is not right and they should be aware of that when they get in the car, and we want them to be safe as they drive," said Cst. Mike Hibbs.

July can be a dangerous month for drivers, especially young drivers, for a number of reasons.

"July is usually the prime month for people to be travelling, and you put those young, new drivers on the highway as well, competing with the increased traffic, and you put distracted driving whether it be your cell phone, your radio."

Hibbs said all those factors can add up to a dangerous combination, and all drivers need to make sure that they keep their attention on the road when they are behind the wheel. That goes especially for young drivers that may be new to the road and not as experienced.

In 2015, young drivers represented 14 percent of drivers but made up more than 20 percent of drivers involved in casualty collisions, often due to distracted driving.

Hibbs said that the importance of technology in the lives of young drivers can make them susceptible to distractions behind the wheel.

"In today's world, technology is a big part of the young person's life. We want to get the message across that we know your cell phone is important for contacting friends and family and also for getting information that you may require, but the thing is if you are driving, you should put that phone on silent, put it away so you can't see it."

Cell phones aren't the only distraction on the road. Hibbs said they also see people tuning radio stations, eating, grooming, and even reading behind the wheel.

 

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