Distracted Driving: What You Need to Know

Distracted driving has become one of the most persistent threats on our roadways, but it is also one of the most preventable. According to recent CAA research, 85 percent of drivers are aware of what constitutes distracted driving and a staggering 90 percent feel significant concern about it. Yet, there is a disconnect between awareness and action. The 2025 CAA survey reveals that 43 percent of Ontario drivers admit they have met the criteria for being a distracted driver in the past.

What is distracted driving in Ontario?

It is defined as the act of holding or using any hand-held wireless communication device, electronic entertainment device or viewing a display screen unrelated to driving while operating a motor vehicle. While eating or grooming aren’t explicitly mentioned under the “distracted driving” rules, if they lead to driving poorly, there can be a charge of careless driving.

As we look toward making our roads safer, we must treat focus as a conscious decision. “Distracted driving, at the end of the day, is a choice,” says Michael Stewart, community relations consultant at CAA Club Group. “You don’t accidentally look at your phone or text while behind the wheel — you choose to do so. It’s something that can be very easily prevented by choosing not to do such things.”

This is about road safety. The stakes are higher than many realize. In Ontario, one person is injured in a distracted-driving collision every half-hour, according to Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation. While many associate the danger solely with smartphones, CAA research found that adjusting the radio or music was the most identified activity leading to rear-end collisions — even ahead of phone use. By setting your GPS, playlists and climate controls before you shift into drive, you aren’t just avoiding a distracted driving ticket; you’re potentially saving a life. CAA