Distractions now join alcohol and speeding as leading factors in fatal and serious injury crashes. According to the National Safety Council, 28% of motor vehicle crashes involve the use of cell phones, resulting in approximately1.6 million crashes annually. Whether on the clock or off, crashes can affect your business, resulting in missed work and affecting employer costs, including:
- Insurance and Liability Premiums
- Workers’ Compensation/ Medical and Disability Contributions
- Vehicle or Property Damage
- Crash-Related Legal Expenses
- Lost Productivity
Three steps to help protect employees from distracted driving:
1. Create a Policy
Develop a formal, written policy stating the company's position on mobile device use and other distractions while driving. Download a free policy kit.
2. Communicate the Importance
Effective policies are communicated often and in various forms. Send regular messaging to employees via emails, newsletters, social media and training sessions to reinforce the policy. Free promotional materials are available.
3. Lead by Example
Company leadership must promote the desired safe driving behavior in order to create a company culture where cell phone use while driving is unacceptable. Let employees know that while they are on the road, no phone call or email is more important than their safety.
Implement a Cell Phone Ban
Businesses without policies prohibiting cell phone use while driving are exposing their employees and themselves to increased crash risk and liability. The National Safety Council recommends policies prohibiting both hands-free and handheld devices for all employees.
A corporate cell phone ban might ask employees to:Turn off wireless phones or other devices before starting the car. Inform clients, associates and business partners that calls will be returned when no longer driving. Pull over to a safe location and put the vehicle in park if a call must be made.
Read why the world's largest manufacturer of fiberglass and related products chose to implement a distracted driving policy banning cell phone use for all employees.
Owens Corning Corporation case study
A sample cell phone policy kit is available from National Safety Council.
Educate Employees
Promote distraction free driving as a way to ensure a safe workplace and protect employee from preventable injury. NSCN recommends the following resources to help create a culture of safety.
- Join the Nebraska Safety Belt Honor Roll to promote safety belt use among employees.
- Use fee educational materials to promote safe driving habits among employees.
View the Webinar Series
Our Driving Concern and the National Safety Council created a series of webinars to demonstrate the importance of incorporating safe driving practices into a business. Learn the latest driver safety trends from industry experts.
David Teater, Senior Director of Transportation Strategic Initiatives at National Safety Council, explains the importance of a workplace cell phone policy.