Road Safety Authority Says 'Don't Look Back'

Thursday, 25 June 2015 06:44

The Woodstock Police and Road Safety Authority are urging parents to pull over to deal with children in the backseat.

As more regulations are put in place to eliminate drivers using their phones behind the wheel Woodstock Police are warning motorists of another form of distracted driving.

A recent study from England has shown driving with your child in the back seat can be 12 times more distracting than looking at your mobile device. When parents look back at their child, all of their focus is being taken off the the road. Community Service and Media Relations Officer for the Woodstock Police Nikki VanLeeuwen describes the new campaign gaining attention on the Internet. "I know we talk a lot about hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and there is a real media push for cell phones. It is important for us to focus on other things that cause collisions as well because kids are distracting, and collisions can happen. I thought that it was a good one to touch on, something that is a bit different other than just cell phone use."

The Road Safety Authority was the group behind the public service announcement about the distractions parents undergo when they take their attention off the road and to speak to their child. Officer VanLeeuwen outlines some recommendations on how to operate your vehicle with passengers in the back. "The best advice is to take a breath. If it's to a point where you need to turn and correct behaviour or speak to your children, pull into a parking lot, pull off to the side of the road where you can focus on talking to your children. When you are in a car and you are driving you really need to focus on the roadway and the people around you." The PSA warns parents not to 'lose a lifetime' looking off the roads because it could cause serious implications including death.

Woodstock police are reminding drivers to never let the most defenceless person in your vehicle create the largest risk when travelling within the city. Officer VanLeeuwen knows this is a problem within the city and is hoping the video will change that. "It kind of made my eyes open when I watched it. I am a parent as well so this kind of hit home for me, and I know that it is an issue. I just want people to be careful when they are driving. If we could eliminate all collisions and injuries that would be our goal, and for people for just to take a breath take their time, keep their eyes on the road, and hands on the wheel."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKUNJMrFeUs&feature=player_embedded