Why You Should Stop Red Light Texting

Red Light Texting – A Form of Illegal Distracted Driving in Atlantic Canada

Despite being at a standstill, using a cell phone at a red light is deemed illegal in Canada. This distinction aims to uphold safety standards and prevent potential hazards associated with distracted driving.

Despite the misconception that red light texting is harmless, it qualifies as a form of distracted driving and is unequivocally illegal in Canada. Prioritizing road safety demands refraining from phone use until in a safe, parked position. The laws for the New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are basically the same:

• Distracted driving laws prohibit the use of cell phones while driving, including at red lights.
• Fines for distracted driving are outlined in the Motor Vehicle Act.
• Penalties typically include fines and demerit points.

Alarming Statistics on Red Light Distractions

Surprisingly, over half of Canadian drivers engage in reading or sending text messages while halted at red lights or stop signs. This behavior compromises situational awareness, potentially leading to driving errors and delayed reaction times. 33% of Canadians admit they have texted while stopped at a red light, despite believing it is unacceptable. (CAA, 2016) 

Other startling Canadian distracted driving statistics include:

• A quarter of Canadians have changed a song on their phone while driving. (CAA polling, 2020)
• Dialling a phone number while driving increases a teen’s risk of crashing by six times. (NHTSA, 2018)
• Dialling a phone is one of the most dangerous distractions, increasing a driver’s chance of crashing by 12 times. (Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, 2016)
• Reading or writing increased the risk of crashing by 10 times. (Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, 2016) 
• Using a hands-free electronic device is four times more distracting than talking to an adult passenger. (Driver’s Alert, 2017)
• Texting while driving increases the risk of crashing by 23 times. (NHTSA, 2018)
• (FCC, 2017) Texting increases your chances of rear-ending someone by a factor of 7. (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2018)
• 47% of Canadians admitted that they have typed a text message or used the voice-memo feature to send a text message while driving. (CAA polling, 2020)
• The maximum amount of time that a driver can safely divert his or her attention from the road is two seconds. It takes a driver an average of five seconds to send a text message. (TeenSafe, 2018)
• Sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. At 90 km/h, your vehicle will travel 125 metres – longer than a football field, including the two end zones.