Driver distraction campaign part of Abuptic Festival activities on Friday

Visitors to the Argyle Abuptic Festival on Friday will be among the thousands of Nova Scotians who will have the opportunity to learn about the dangers of distracted driving and other safety messages this summer, thanks to a province-wide community outreach program.

Visitors to the festival will get to see the star attraction of the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s (IBC) outreach program. The D.U.M.B. Car (Distractions Undermining Motorist Behaviour) is a simulator that tests driver reactions to distractions such as cellphones, CDs, MP3 players, eating and drinking, and even personal grooming. The car includes a standard-sized driver’s seat and a gas pedal, brake pedal, steering wheel, dashboard and plasma monitor.

It will be located at the Camp Cove Wharf from noon until 8:30 p.m.

The campaign combines public awareness and education with interactive activities that allow participants, from the safety of a simulated environment, to see the impact these distractions have on their driving performance. The campaign also stresses the importance of emergency preparedness through the introduction of the game, “Survivor 72”, an interactive quiz that tests people’s knowledge on contents of a basic emergency kit – something every family should have to help them survive the first 72 hours following a natural disaster.

As part of the visit to the Abuptic festival, a cheque presentation is being made at 4 p.m. by the Insurance Bureau of Canada to the Argyle Minor Soccer Club. The money will go towards upkeep and maintenance of the field and soccer safety equipment.

According to IBC, driver distraction is a factor in up to 80 per cent of vehicle collisions in North America and is one of the most serious road safety issues in the country today and a growing concern among Canadians. A poll of Canadians found that 89 per cent of respondents were concerned about driver distractions such as talking on a cellphone. But an alarming 60 per cent of drivers indicated they would not stop using their cellphones when driving – even when told that their cellphone use makes them four times more likely to be involved in a collision.

Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, car and business insurers.