The rising threats of distracted, drug-impaired driving

As distracted and drug-impaired driving fatalities climb, the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) is sounding the alarm on urgent road safety challenges in two revealing new reports.

In Distraction-Related Fatal Collisions, 2000-2021 and Drug Use in Fatal Collisions, 2000-2021, funded by Desjardins Insurance, findings from TIRF’s National Fatality Database emphasize the urgent need to tackle these road safety issues.

“Although distracted driving-related fatalities have declined over the years, the percentage of all fatalities attributed to distraction has increased,” said Steve Brown, TIRF research associate. “The data also highlights a troubling rise in drug-related road deaths, with a significant increase in fatalities where at least one driver tested positive for drugs.”

The data showed that distraction-related fatalities rose to 28.8 per cent in 2021 from 19.1 per cent in 2000. Younger drivers (16-19 years old) and older drivers (65 and older) were the most likely to have been distracted, with percentages at 20.6 per cent and 20.4 per cent, respectively. During the same period, commercial vehicle drivers were nearly twice as likely to be distracted compared to motorcyclists (25.6 per cent vs. 13.1 per cent) and more so than drivers of automobiles (16.5 per cent) and light trucks (17.5 per cent).

In 2021, there were 359 fatalities in crashes where at least one driver was distracted, down from 458 in 2000. Despite the decrease in absolute numbers, the proportion of road fatalities due to distraction rose to 28.8 per cent in 2021 from 19.1 per cent in 2000. This indicates that while overall road safety may have improved, distracted driving remains a persistent issue, requiring targeted interventions.

Drug-related fatalities have also seen a dramatic increase. In 2021, there were 496 fatalities in crashes where at least one driver tested positive for drugs, compared to 230 in 2000. The percentage of drug-related traffic fatalities jumped to 37 per cent in 2021 from 10.7 per cent in 2000. Since 2013, collisions involving a drug-impaired driver have surpassed those involving alcohol, distraction, or other factors. Drivers aged 20-34 had the highest percentage of positive drug tests at 61.1 per cent, highlighting the need for focused education and enforcement among this demographic.

Interestingly, drug-related fatalities were less common in vehicles with multiple occupants than those with a single occupant, suggesting that drivers with passengers might feel more responsible for their safety. Conversely, distraction-related fatalities were higher in crashes involving vehicles with multiple occupants, indicating a need for increased passenger education about the dangers of riding with distracted drivers.

“Understanding the nuances of distracted and drug-impaired driving can help tailor enforcement and education efforts to better reach target audiences,” says Ward Vanlaar, TIRF’s chief operating officer. “General messages may not be effective, especially if people don’t recognize their distraction or impairment. Additionally, educating passengers about the risks of riding with distracted or impaired drivers needs more emphasis and reinforcement.”