Every day in Calgary, thousands of people walk, cycle, drive, and roll through our streets and every one of them deserves to get where they’re going safely. But as our city continues to see a record number of life-altering and fatal motor vehicle and pedestrian collisions, one factor is prevalent: distraction.

Pedestrians are distracted and drivers are distracted.

We all see it happening on our commutes and many of us are doing it ourselves. From quick glances at a phone while driving to handling the kids in the back seat. From wandering thoughts after a long day to the bright sun in our eyes, distraction takes many forms. Even one moment of lost focus can have life-altering‑ consequences.

Distraction isn’t just done by motorists. Pedestrians and people cycling can be distracted, too.

Distracted travel refers to any moment when someone moving through the city whether walking, cycling, or driving and isn’t fully focused on navigating their surroundings. 

While distraction can look different for each of us, the outcome can be the same: reduced awareness and slower responses in moments that require quick decisions.

Even a simple walk can become dangerous when attention slips. Here’s how pedestrians can stay alert:

• Whether it's your phone or your thoughts, losing focus while walking can lead to serious incidents.
• Your surroundings need your full attention.
• Looking down at your device or drifting into thought reduces your ability to spot hazards.
• Multitasking, such as texting, scrolling, or daydreaming increases risk.
• Clear your mind, pocket your device, and stay alert while crossing streets or navigating busy areas.
• If you are out at night, dress in bright or light-coloured clothing and carry a light if possible.

Drivers carry the greatest responsibility on the road. Staying focused can prevent collisions and save lives.

• When your eyes or attention drift, the risk of collision rises dramatically.
• Distraction reduces awareness, slows reaction time, and impairs decision making‑ in critical moments.
• Everyone in the vehicle plays a role and passengers should speak up if a driver becomes distracted.
• Put the phone away, clear your thoughts, and commit to driving with full focus.

Arriving safely doesn’t happen by accident; it happens when we look out for one another.

• Roughly 47 per cent of drivers admit to using their phones while driving.
• Taking your eyes off the road for five seconds at 90 km per hour is the same as driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
• Distracted driving contributes to an estimated 21 per cent of fatal collisions and 27 per cent of serious collisions.
• There were 13,012 distracted driving convictions in Alberta in 2021.

• The risk of a crash is two times more likely if eyes are off the road for two seconds.
• You are eight times more likely to crash while texting and driving.
• About 26 per cent of collisions involve hand-held or hands-free phone use.
• You face a $300 minimum fine and three demerits for distracted driving in Alberta.

• Get all your distractions out of the way before heading out.
• Put your phone away or set to Do Not Disturb when navigating intersections
• Set your route and playlist before you start moving to avoid mid-travel fumbling.
• Keep your eyes up and scan for turning vehicles, signals, and obstacles
• Remove or lower headphones near intersections so you can hear traffic and warnings.
• Make eye contact with drivers when possible to confirm you’ve been seen before crossing.
• Stay visible with lights, reflectors, or bright clothing, especially in low light conditions.
• Avoid multitasking such texting, scrolling or eating, while crossing the street or entering an intersection.
• Use marked crossings and follow signals. Don’t assume” right-of-way" means “safe to go”.

• Get all your distractions out of the way before driving
• Put your phone away or set to Do Not Disturb
• Set your playlist, podcast, safety features, navigation, whatever it is, before you drive 
• Ensure your Bluetooth is properly connected before departure 
• Stow and secure loose objects 
• Prepare children with everything they need before driving 
• Always keep two hands on the wheel 
• Keep your eyes on the road
• If you need to address something happening in the vehicle, find a safe place to pull over.