Driving is a daily task for millions of workers in the United States that poses several risks – especially if there are distracted drivers on the road. Distracted driving is a growing problem in the United States. It has lead to 38 states enacting laws that prohibit texting while driving.
Distracted driving is not exclusive to cell phone use, it can happen anytime the driver’s attention is taken off the road. This is why it is important for employers and employees to work together to prevent work-related motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and deaths. OHC observes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Below are three ways employers and employees can prevent distracted driving at work.
1. Distracted Driving Policy
Every company or organization should have a distracted driving policy – especially those that employ workers to drive or operate vehicles as their main job responsibility. The policy should clearly define distracted driving, explain the risks involved with it, and set consequences for violating the policy.
Current and new employees should be required to acknowledge they understand the policy and any consequences associated with violating it before getting behind the wheel.
2. Ban texting
The brain can not efficiently perform multiple cognitive tasks at once – particularly while driving.
Employers should prohibit texting, or the use of cell phones while driving. Encourage employees to pull over or wait until arriving at their destination to make a call or send a text.
3. Educate
It’s important to regularly educate workers on the dangers of driving distracted. Reiterate distracted driving is not just associated with cell phone use. In fact, there are three types of distractions: visual, cognitive and manual – texting involves all three. Offer your employees resources and safe driving tips such as the ones found on the CDC/NIOSH website.
Join OHC in raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Share this blog with your employees, friends and family.
