Greg discusses how to avoid distracted driving behaviors in this episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.
Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob Carnie: 800 CHAB's "Ask The Expert" on the air today with Greg Marcyniuk at Heritage Insurance — where we've all heard the fines have more than doubled for distracted driving. But even more important, we want to eliminate distracted driving from our roads, for our own safety.
Greg, today, we're talking about distracting driving — the fines, the demerits, and some tips to avoid getting those tickets.
Greg Marcyniuk: That's right Rob. And I know you and I were talking. I was just out the other day and, again, I just see people repeatedly using their text and their phone while they're driving.
And I really don't think a lot of people get it yet. But if you get a first offense, you have a $580 ticket and four demerit points. So, that means your insurance on your vehicles are going to go up. If you get a second offense, you're going to get a $1,400 ticket, four demerit points and you're going to get an immediate seven-day impoundment. And then the third offense is going to be a $2,100 ticket, plus another four demerit points and an immediate seven-day vehicle impoundment.
So, it's just not worth it. And it's not just about the tickets. It's about your own life or the life of others.
So just really take heed. And when you're driving a vehicle, you have to steer it. You have to watch where you're going. You may possibly have to shift gears with it. And you've got to watch for hazards. So, it's not an easy task. And it does require a great deal of attention and concentration.
So, what I do, I just put my phone away. And if you think you'll be tempted to check your phone — even if it's in your purse or bag — keep it in the glovebox or even put it in the trunk. I know I put it in my inside pocket.
And also what I do and what they do suggest is enable your Do Not Disturb function. Because if you're not feeling it vibrate — if you're not thinking somebody's getting a hold of you — you're not going to be distracted. And if you really have to take calls or have anything, if you have a passenger, let them answer the calls or the texts. Or pull over when it's safe to do so.
The other thing is to plan ahead and make sure passengers, like children in the back seat, have everything that they need before you leave. So, that way, you're not reaching behind the wheel and handing them stuff. If they really do need anything urgently, just pull over, stop and provide for the little ones.
The other thing that I typically do is select my GPS before I start driving or set my radio station like 800 CHAB.
Rob: Thank you.
Greg: Yes. You know, you should have that all set before you start driving. The other thing you really want to be aware of is securing your loose items — such as coffee, water bottles and bags. So, if you've got a bag on the seat, you slam on the brakes so it's sliding forward and you're going to reach for it. You want to make sure those things are secure.
And make sure you get ready to go. And when I'm talking about getting ready to go, make sure your hair is combed. And for the ladies out there, make sure that all of your makeup is done and fix your hair. If not, wait until you get to the office. Best to do that then.
The other thing as far as with pets, make sure that your pet is secured — either in a kennel or you have them safe in a pet harness.
So really, those are the distracting areas there. And again, another little bit of a tidbit is, if you've got to eat, eat at home or stop and eat — not while you're driving.
Rob: You owe it to yourself and you owe it to your fellow motorists not to be distracted while you're driving. Thank you very much for this, Greg.
Greg: You're more than welcome. And you can check this out online or come on down and see us here at the corner of 1st and Fairford West.
(Video transcription by Speechpad)