Work Phone Calls Account for 43% of Distracted Drivers

What is so important that it cannot wait? Most people will say work. Travelers Insurance conducted a new survey and found that 43% of distracted driving is caused by work related issues.

According to the CDC, there are three types of distractions which include

• Visual: Taking your eyes off of the road
• Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving

In the past, courts have placed responsibility on the driver. However, as distracted driving becomes more common, the courts may start issuing blame on the employer.  Many states have opted for no texting or talking while driving. Most all school zones have banned cell phone.

But this still does not discourage employees from answering calls from the boss or their team.  Employees may feel that they do not want to miss anything important and feel the need to be available 24/7, especially if the boss calls. More than 25% of drivers surveyed admitted that their boss knew they were driving and texting or talking.

What Can You Do?

• Remind employees that their safety comes first.
• Remind employees to pull over to a safe area if they need to talk a call.
• Create a written policy that clearly prohibits cell phone use while driving.
• Train Employees on Defensive Driving and Driving Safety

Check Out SRP’s Defensive Driving Simulator

SRP Safety Consultants provide safety training and safety consulting including defensive driving. Have questions? Call SRP at (866) 222-4972 to learn more about our VirtualHD Defensive Driving Simulator.

Source: Safety Compliance Alert Newsletter