IBC reminds students to "Leave the phone alone"

CHARLOTTETOWN, Sept. 22, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is reminding students to "leave the phone alone" and help end distracted driving. This reminder comes as hundreds of students prepare to take their drivers' tests and hit the roads for the first time.

"Informing young and new drivers about the dangers of distracted driving is key to helping reduce the number of accidents on our roads," said Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Atlantic, IBC. "We have a lot work to do in convincing all drivers that using your phone while driving is inherently dangerous and socially unacceptable."

"Our government is committed to educating young people about paying proper attention while driving so we can reduce injury-causing accidents in our province," said Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar. "No call or text is worth placing your life or someone else's life at risk."

Texting or talking on a cellphone is one of the most serious road-safety issues in Canada today. A texting driver is 23 times more likely to crash than a non-texting driver. A person caught using a hand-held device while driving faces a $575 to $1,275 fine and five demerit points. Newly licensed drivers face an automatic 30-day suspension for a first offence and 90-day suspensions for subsequent offences. The penalties will be more severe if the offence results in injury or death.

Speaking to students today at Charlottetown's Stonepark Intermediate School, Dean said the following: "Your phone is an important part of your life, but it will not protect you or the people in your car in a collision. IBC and the insurance companies we represent, care about your safety and the safety of everyone on the road. I am here today to ask you to put your phone away when you get behind the wheel."

Earlier this year, IBC launched the latest installment of its distracted driving campaign, #likelife. The campaign centres on a video that raises awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. The video has had more than 100,000 views on YouTube and Twitter.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 120,000 Canadians, pays $8.2 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $49 billion.

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_Atlantic or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

CONTACT: To schedule an interview, please contact: Andrew McGrath, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312, amcgrath@ibc.ca