Audible texts may not solve distracted driving amongst RCMP

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A text-to-audio messaging system designed to help police officers focus on the road may not be all that helpful, according to one expert.

The recommendation was made by a coroner’s jury this week regarding distracted driving.

“A lot of work has been done with respect to distracted driving and what has been found is whether it’s hands free or hand held, the risk implications are quite similar,” explains Kwei Quaye, VP of Traffic Safety Services with Saskatchewan Government Insurance.

“The main argument is that the distracting impacts of a conversation is not because of the physical aspect of dialing the phone or using the phone but the content of the conversation and its cognitive impacts on the individual,” says Quaye.

Quaye thinks RCMP need to be exempt from the distracted driving law because of their line of work.  He says it should only be allowed in an emergency situation and while on duty.

“The consequences can be unfortunate,” explains Quaye, adding that the officer must act carefully.

Karen Bowman, founder of Drop it and Drive says sometimes people have a perceived need to use their device while driving but there are other ways to do it.

“Anytime anyone is distracted and it results in an injury or fatality it needs further examination for sure, but nobody should be driving distracted, that’s the bottom line.
We have to keep working towards reducing these distractions in the vehicle,” says Bowman.

Justice Minister Shirley Bond says she’s confident the RCMP will thoroughly review and respond to each of these recommendations. “For our part, government is committed to ensuring police have the training and tools they need to keep our communities safe.”

“This inquest stemmed from a tragic incident, and my thoughts are with the family of the young woman, for whom this has no doubt been a very difficult week. Inquests play a vital role in helping us to learn from tragedies like this and work to prevent similar deaths in the future,” she continues.

“The Emergency Vehicle Driving Regulation of the Motor Vehicle  Act clearly sets out police officers’ obligations with regard to emergency driving and the relevant legislation. All police in BC are given training in this area before they are authorized to drive an emergency vehicle in BC – and every day, countless emergency personnel draw on their training and experience to manage information and equipment while safely operating emergency vehicles. We are working with police agencies to review existing emergency vehicle operator training,” Bond adds.

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