IBAC teams up to deliver campaign for National Safe Driving Week

The Canada Safety Council and the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) have teamed up to launch an awareness campaign for National Safe Driving Week, which runs from December 1 to 7.

This year’s campaign is centred on the theme “Humans Aren’t Built for a Crash,” underscoring the growing number of motor vehicle fatalities across the country.

“The foundation of driving safety lies in recognizing the significance of our actions,” said Gareth Jones, president and CEO of the Canada Safety Council.

“Our families represent more than just a collection of individuals; they constitute a network of love, support and cherished moments. Every choice we make while on the road directly affects their well-being.”

According to Transport Canada, there were 1,768 motor vehicle fatalities in 2021, indicating a 1.3% increase from 2020.

It also estimated that roughly 20% of these fatalities were partially or wholly caused by distracted driving.

“It’s easy to get distracted when your family is in the car,” said IBAC CEO Peter Braid. “That’s why insurance brokers are partnering with the Canada Safety Council to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and encourage parents to put family safety first. The stakes are too high, and no distraction is worth the risk.”

National Safe Driving Week is a yearly initiative the Canada Safety Council runs with IBAC and its provincial members. For this year’s campaign, the organizations involved offered the following tips to combat the risks of distracted driving:

• Stay focused on the road: Avoid distractions such as using your phone, eating while driving, or engaging in distracting conversations.
• Use seatbelts: Utilize the seatbelt, and ensure all passengers do the same. Despite only 5% percent of Canadians not wearing them, seatbelts accounted for 28.6% of driver fatalities in 2021, according to Transport Canada.
• Respect speed limits: Adhere to posted speed limits to keep road speeds manageable and minimize the impact in case of a collision.
• Maintain your vehicle: Regularly check brakes, tires, lights, and signals.
• Keep a safe following distance: Maintain a following distance of three seconds or more from the vehicle in front of you. This allows for adequate reaction time in case of sudden stops, emergencies, or unpredictable behaviour from other road users.

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