Most people know that texting while driving is dangerous and creates unsafe and potentially fatal scenarios on the roadways. Unfortunately, many continue to do it anyway.
According to studies done by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration drivers take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, out of every 6 seconds, while texting. Traveling at a speed of 55 mph this is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field, including the end zones, without looking at the road. The results? Drivers using cell phones are more than 20 times more likely to get into an accident and cause 28% of all crashes. (1.6 million a year)
Nearly 6000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver and more than 500,000 people we're injured. Two high profile accidents in 2009 include a California commuter train engineer who missed a stop signal while texting, 25 people were killed and a trolley operator in Boston who caused a collision while texting, injuring 62 people.
In response to the recent data and accidents, legislators and business leaders have been busy evaluating the need for policies and legislation on "distracted" driving. On the legislative side 19 states, plus the District of Columbia, have passed laws banning texting while driving. In addition, the President signed an Executive Order directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government owned vehicles or equipment.
The latest ban came from the Federal Transportation Department, this past Tuesday, when they announced that effective immediately drivers of trucks and buses are prohibited from texting while operating commercial vehicles. Violators will be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.
Distracted driving in the workplace is a much bigger problem than with just truck and bus drivers and employers are beginning to examine their in-house policies. In any business where employees travel as part of their daily routine, inattentive driving can be a problem. These positions include account representatives, territory managers and administrative assistants- who run business errands.
So, what should employers be doing to protect their employee's safety and their company against liability? There are certain steps that businesses should consider:
Review Policies- Determine appropriate level of risk and tolerance.
Implement a Policy- Spell it out in a written statement in your Employee Handbook.
Train & Educate Employees- Provide specific instructions and include training that covers state and local laws.
Enforce the Policy- Spell out disciplinary measures and make sure employees understand the consequences of violating the policy.
By implementing and enforcing a zero tolerance policy - you can feel positive in the fact that you will be helping to protect the well being of your employees, your customers, your communities and your business!