DISTRACTED DRVING
Distracted Driving Prevention
Distracted driving reduces awareness , decision-making , and performance , increasing the likelihood of driver error , near-crashes , or crashes . What ’ s more , distracted driving is not always attributable to a medical condition , alcohol and drug use , or fatigue .
Distracted driving is an ongoing safety concern for commercial fleets . However , the widespread increase in cellphone use over the past decade has brought the issue to the forefront .
Studies have shown that many collisions and near-collisions involve some form of driver inattention , often just three seconds prior to the event . These statistics are particularly noteworthy for fleets as many commercial vehicles have poorer driver visibility than personal cars and are much more difficult to control or stop in the event of an emergency . For commercial fleets , distracted driving can lead to increased insurance premiums , costly repairs , decreased productivity , reputational damage , and driver injury or death .
To protect themselves and public safety , organizations and fleet managers must have an understanding of distracted driving , including common causes and prevention strategies . This guide provides background information commercial fleets can use to supplement a risk management program and establish a safe workplace .
RESPONDING TO DISTRACTED DRIVING
Even the most experienced drivers can become distracted from time to time . In order to maintain safe driving practices , organizations must take a top-down approach to combating distracted driving . Only through effective policies and training can commercial fleets identify and respond to potentially harmful driving behaviors .
TIPS FOR EMPLOYERS
The following are some ways organizations and their fleet managers can help reduce the risk of distracted driving :
• Create a driver safety program and a distracted driving policy . Regularly communicate your policies using things like emails , blogs , and posters .
• Use applications to detect when your drivers are on the road . Many of these applications prevent individuals from contacting a driver while their vehicle is in motion .
• Instruct drivers to pull off the road and park if they need to use their phone or an electronic device .
• Equip vehicles with lockboxes that drivers can use to store potential distractions like smartphones and tablets .
• Educate your drivers on the risks of driving while distracted . Use real-life examples and stories to explain how dangerous distracted driving can be .
• Update your organization ’ s handbook , noting any disciplinary actions you will take if you identify unsafe driving behavior .
• Ask your employees to sign a pledge form indicating their willingness to drive in a safe and courteous manner .
• Work with drivers to plan trips . This ensures that drivers have a clear understanding of their routes , which can reduce the need for GPS
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