Distracted Driving a Problem for Young Drivers in BC

In British Columbia, about 6.6% of drivers are aged between 16 and 20 years old, however, they account for 14% of drivers involved in a crash.  Research has shown that those who are in the beginner stage of the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) – “N” drivers are 45% more likely to get into an accident than experienced drivers.  Further, the crashes young drivers are involved in tend to be severe, with 1 in 4 accidents involving a young driver resulting in a serious injury or fatality, perhaps because of less seat belt use or a tendency to drive faster.  A significant share of the accidents involving young drivers are the result of distracted driving.

Due to the growing number of young drivers involved in car accidents as a result of distracted driving in British Columbia and the far reaching consequences these crashes have on the lives of young people and their families, the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia (TLABC) is supporting a program to directly address the issue.  The goal of the program is to reduce distracted driving among young drivers and to ultimately spare young drivers from life changing injuries and death that result from distracted driving accidents.

The TLABC program is an outreach initiative that will give presentations to students at BC high schools on the dangers and impacts of distracted driving.  It highlights the reality of increased risk that comes with taking attention away from the road for even just two seconds.  It also highlights that distracted driving is not limited to just cellphone use behind the wheel but also includes smoking, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, and using a digital map.  The risk of injury is amplified by the fact that younger drivers tend to use seat belts less and to drive at higher speeds.  The program aims to reduce the frequency of these incidents by educating high school students about safety from distracted driving and the legal consequences related to negligence.

It is important to note that, under British Columbia’s GLP, new drivers are not permitted to use any electronic devices, even if they are hands-free due to the distraction the use of these devices pose.  Use of these devices by a driver with either a “L” or an “N” license can result in a violation ticket being issued and will also come with 3 penalty points that will trigger a review by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles.  If a “L” or an “N” driver is issued a suspension (is prohibited from driving for a period of time), the 24 month “N” driving period starts over when the prohibition ends and the driver gets re-licensed.

League and Williams are pleased to support the TLABC End Distracted Driving program and share that associate Karina Carson will be actively contributing to this program aimed at saving young lives.

If a distracted driver has injured you or a loved one, it is important to take the necessary measures to recover from the accident and to keep a record of what happened (keep photographs and a diary) and the information from those who witnessed the accident (contact information and witness statements).  Recovering fair compensation for the damages from a BC accident is easier when working with an experienced BC personal injury lawyer, such as Darren Williams.  It is best to speak with a lawyer shortly after an accident has happened to protect your interests.  Lawyers at League and Williams may be reached through (250) 888-0002 or our website’s contact form. You may also email us at info@leaguelaw.com.