In Northern Ontario, long drives are a way of life—whether you’re heading to camp, commuting on remote highways, or navigating scenic backroads. But one of the most dangerous risks on the road is also one of the most preventable: distracted driving.

Despite widespread awareness campaigns, distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of collisions across Canada—and the numbers keep rising.

The Reality of Distracted Driving in Canada

(Updated 2024)

Distracted driving doesn’t just affect your focus—it affects lives, insurance premiums, and public safety.

• • In 2024, over 5,000 collisions in Ontario were attributed to distracted driving, with 82 fatalities on provincial highways alone.
  • A single distracted driving conviction can raise your insurance premiums by as much as 56%, depending on the province.
  • 47% of Canadian drivers admit to texting or recording voice memos behind the wheel. (Source: CAA)
  • The economic toll of distracted driving reaches billions of dollars annually in Canada, factoring in emergency services, medical care, and productivity loss.
  • Fines in Ontario start at $615, plus three demerit points, and escalate with repeat offences. Licence suspensions are possible even on a first offence.

What Counts as Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving includes any activity that takes your focus away from the road. It’s not just texting—it’s anything that interrupts your eyes, hands, or mind while driving.

Distractions fall into three main categories:

• • Visual – Taking your eyes off the road
  • Manual – Taking your hands off the wheel
  • Cognitive – Taking your mind off driving

In Ontario, nearly 8 in 10 collisions involve some form of distraction—surpassing impaired driving in fatal collisions. (Source: ThinkInsure.ca)

Common distractions include:

• • Using a mobile phone (even hands-free)
  • Adjusting a GPS or infotainment system
  • Eating or drinking
  • Talking to passengers
  • Smoking
  • Grooming
  • Daydreaming or fatigue

“Distracted driving qualifies as talking on a cell phone, texting, reading, using a GPS, watching videos or movies, eating/drinking, smoking, personal grooming, adjusting the radio/CD and playing loud music. Even talking to passengers and driving while fatigued can be forms of distracted driving.”
— Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), ThinkInsure.ca

Ontario’s Distracted Driving Laws

(2024 Update)

Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, distracted driving falls under two key sections:

Section 78:

• • • Drivers must not operate a vehicle with a visible screen from a TV, computer, or similar device in view.

Section 78.1:

• • • Handheld devices (phones, tablets) are prohibited while driving.
    • Entertainment systems, including video players and gaming devices, are also banned.
    • Devices must be used hands-free only—you cannot touch or hold them while driving.

Illegal to use while driving:

• • Smartphones and tablets
  • Handheld GPS units (unless mounted)
  • Holding pets or other objects
  • Music and video players
  • Singing or dancing
  • Gaming devices
  • Laptops

Even touching these devices while stopped at a red light can result in a charge.

Young Drivers & Tech: A Dangerous Mix

Drivers aged 16 to 34 are the most likely to:

• • Use GPS apps
  • Text or record voice messages
  • Stream music or videos behind the wheel

Technology has changed driving habits—but the risks haven’t. Parents and guardians can help by modeling safe behaviour, setting expectations, and talking regularly about distraction-free driving.

What’s at Risk If You Drive Distracted?

Beyond legal penalties and fines, distracted driving can:

• • Disqualifies you from the Minor Conviction Protector
  • Lead to premium increases or policy cancellation
  • Result in licence suspensions, vehicle impoundment, and court convictions

Insurance companies view distracted driving as a serious breach of safety. The financial and legal impact can be long-lasting.

Stay Northern. Stay Protected.

In Northern Ontario, we know how to handle icy roads and wildlife crossings—but distraction is one risk we can control. With distracted driving now a leading cause of road fatalities, your focus behind the wheel could save lives.

At Northern Insurance Brokers, we don’t just sell insurance—we help you stay informed, reduce risk, and build personal protection plans that go beyond the basics.

Let’s work together to keep our roads and communities safe.

Know the Risks. Know the Solutions. No More Maybes.