Are you worried about your employees driving distracted or using their cell phone behind the wheel? The National Safety Council states that the leading cause of workplace death is motor vehicle crashes, and estimates one-quarter of those crashes involve cell phone use.
Understanding distractions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified three main types of distraction that occur when driving: visual, manual and cognitive. Visual distractions include reading a text message or programming your phone’s or vehicle’s navigation system. Manual distractions occur when you take your hands off the steering wheel to dial your phone, eat, drink or groom. Cognitive distractions involve your brain, and include talking on your phone (even a hands-free device) or daydreaming.
Prevention tips
- To help avoid distractions while driving, it can be beneficial to take certain actions before hitting the road. CDC recommends planning your route and adjusting your mirrors, radio and temperature controls in advance.
- In addition, create a voicemail greeting explaining to callers that you’re driving and will return their call when you’re able to do so safely.
- To avoid the temptation of using your cell phone, turn it off while you drive, or turn the volume off and place it in your glove compartment or trunk.