Northbridge warns of ‘dangerous mental distractions’ to drivers

The use of hands-free technologies while driving does not eliminate distracted driving risk, Northbridge Insurance suggested Thursday in a blog post.

“Many drivers aren’t fully engaged on the road putting their lives and the lives of others at risk,” Toronto-based Northbridge stated in a blog post listing tips for managing distracted driving. “Even the use of hands-free technologies isn’t without risk as dangerous mental distractions exist even when drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”

Northbridge advises drivers to stop at safe locations, such as rest stops or commuter lots, if they need to make calls and to let incoming calls go to voicemail.

Northbridge is owned by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited.

Its blog “is provided for information only and is not a substitute for professional advice.”

Mobile devices are not the only source of distracted driving.

Northbridge is also advising drivers to keep both hands on the wheel and not to eat, drink or smoke while driving.

The insurer also urges drivers to prepare children with everything they need, to preset climate control and stereo systems, pre-program their route on all GPS devices and to review all maps and directions.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Northbridge was owned by Intact Financial Corp.