Eliminate Distractions Behind the Wheel

Auto accidents are the leading causes of on-the-job fatalities across the country. Many of those fatalities—between 20 and 50 percent, according to reports—could have been prevented if the drivers had simply been paying attention.

Everyday tasks such as eating, putting on makeup, using the cell phone and changing the radio station divert our attention, putting us, our passengers and fellow drivers at risk.

In fact, a 2009 study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that people who send text messages while driving are over 23 times more likely to have an accident.

The monetary costs of on-the-job accidents are easy to quantify. Nobody, however, can put a price on the human costs.

Fortunately, most auto-related accidents are avoidable if employers and employees do their part.

What can employers do?
Employers are responsible for putting qualified drivers behind the wheel, whether they are using company cars or their personal vehicles:

• Implement a company policy that includes basic safe driving rules and criteria for employee driving records. The policy should require employees to wear their seat belts while driving on company time and prohibit them from sending text messages while driving.
• Check employees’ driving records before you begin allowing them to drive on company time, and at least annually thereafter, to ensure they meet your standards.
• Remind drivers not to answer cell phones while they are driving. Require employees to return phone messages while they are not operating a vehicle.
• Have drivers agree not to use their cell phones or do other things that might distract them while driving.
• Sign the National Safety Council’s pledge to drive cell-free.

What can employees do?
Most importantly, remember that no distraction is worth your life. Don’t risk the consequences your family could face if you are involved in an auto-related accident:

• Buckle up every time; it could save your life.
• Avoid distractions such as eating, texting or changing the radio station while the vehicle is moving.
• Turn your cell phone off, or put it on silent when you get behind the wheel.
• If the phone rings, let it go to voice mail. Pull off the road to a safe place, and return the call.
• If you must take a phone call while driving, use a hands-free device, keep it short and let the caller know you will call them back as soon as you can get to a safe place. Remember, however, that most studies show hands-free devices are of limited value in reducing distractions.
• Sign the National Safety Council’s pledge to drive cell-free.

Observe National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The National Safety Council offers free safety materials at http://tinyurl.com/ckr529v.

The site includes a pledge to drive cell-free.

Eliminate Distractions Behind the Wheel

Auto accidents are the leading causes of on-the-job fatalities across the country. In 2008, they accounted for 1,215 deaths, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Many of those fatalities—between 20 and 50 percent, according to reports—could have been prevented if the drivers had simply been paying attention.

Everyday tasks such as eating, putting on makeup, using the cell phone and changing the radio station divert our attention, putting us, our passengers and fellow drivers at risk.

In fact, a 2009 study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that people who send text messages while driving are over 23 times more likely to have an accident.

The monetary costs of on-the-job accidents are easy to quantify. Nobody, however, can put a price on the human costs.

Fortunately, most auto-related accidents are avoidable if employers and employees do their part.

Do Not Disturb the Drivers

The risk of roadway crashes associated with on-the-job operation of motor vehicles affects millions of U.S. workers. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that in 2008, nearly 3.9 million workers in the United States were classified as motor vehicle operators. Most of the vehicular accidents involve companies’ employees who are in non-Department of Transportation regulated vehicles and conducting incidental activities.

Whether running a bank errand or driving a company truck to a service call, employees perform multiple work-related activities in a moving vehicle. Think about how many times a day you see an inattentive driver talking on a cell phone or attempting to send a text message or email. A survey conducted in 2010 found that 71 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 49 admit they text or talk on the phone while driving. Unfortunately, these tasks can often end in tragedy and affect the bottom line of your business.

Talking on the cell phone while driving. Many companies have field employees whose primary communication tool is a cell phone. Employers should consider whether or not the company’s driver policy addresses cell phone use while driving. In some accidents, lawsuits have been filed with the employer being held responsible. Whether it is a company vehicle or not, as long as the employee is on company business and the employer has either required or understood that the employee talks on the cell phone while handling business, the company could be held liable. Research has shown that even the use of a hands-free device is still a significant distraction. To be safe, turn off your cell phone and put it away so you won’t be tempted to answer a phone call.