This April, we’re returning to a familiar conversation, but the numbers tell us it’s one we haven’t finished yet. It’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and while “Put the Phone Away” messaging is everywhere, the data shows that distractions remain a primary factor in Nebraska crashes.
In Nebraska, distracted drivers have been involved in over 40,000 crashes since 2010, resulting in more than 14,000 injuries. Nationally, the problem is just as persistent; in 2022 alone, distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives.
The Myth of “Hands-Free”
One of the biggest hurdles to progress is the “hands-free” misconception. Many believe that if they aren’t holding the phone, they aren’t distracted. Part of the problem is the tendency to only view distractions as visual or tangible (manual) but forgetting about distraction at the cognitive level.
The reality? Hands-free is not risk-free. The cognitive distraction of a conversation—even on a headset—can lead to “inattentional blindness,” where the brain fails to process up to 50% of the driving environment. Your brain is essentially “blind” to the road while it is processing a complex conversation.
Focus on the Fundamentals: Be Safe Nebraska
As part of our Be Safe Nebraska initiative, we’re urging HR and safety professionals to look beyond simple state laws. Because Nebraska remains a state with secondary enforcement for texting (and seatbelts), robust safe driving policies can better protect your people, your fleet, and your business or product.
What you can do this month:
- Audit Your Policy: Does your company cell phone policy strictly prohibit both handheld and hands-free use while driving? Need help? Reach out to us!
- Lead by Example: If you’re a manager, don’t call employees when you know they’re behind the wheel. If they call you while driving, tell them to call you back when they’ve reached their destination.
- Share the Message: Use the “Be Safe Nebraska” resources to share the risks, remind your team, and implement policies.
The Bottom Line
Distracted driving is an epidemic that is entirely preventable. In Nebraska, it consistently accounts for a significant portion of all crashes—often outpacing other risky behaviors like speeding.
You may only look down “for a quick second,” but that’s more than enough time for a crash, too.
