Reaction to Distraction

In today’s techno-world, many understand phone use while driving can be risky, however a “not me” attitude toward crashes clearly is a problem, judging by the results of a Travelers Risk Index survey on distracted driving. (I’m a safe driver; it’s not going to happen to me).

The survey, conducted earlier this year, found that only one in four respondents believe the roads are safer today than they were before the pandemic, yet growing numbers reported using their mobile devices in potentially unsafe ways while driving:

• 26% text or email
• 20% check social media
• 19% take videos and pictures
• 17% shop online

All of those percentages are significantly higher than pre-pandemic findings, and all of these behaviors can result in distracted driving. Speeding and distracted, impaired and other reckless driving behaviors have contributed to the highest percentage increase in crash fatalities in the U.S. in more than a decade.

Two more survey results are particularly important for employers to note:

• 48% of business managers said they expect employees to respond frequently to work-related calls, texts or emails
• Nearly three-fourths of companies who participated in the Travelers Risk Index said they have distracted driving policies in place, but less than 60% said they have disciplined employees who did not comply with those policies

How does this impact you? Employers absorb the brunt of costs associated with crashes, whether they occur on or off the job and whether they include employees or family members. The threat of liability exposure increases if an employee is involved in crash while driving distracted.

As you close the books on 2021 and look toward 2022, this is a good time to check your safe driving policies and determine whether you’ve built in adequate enforcement measures.

Here are three more ways to improve your driver safety program:

1. Professional development: Attend a free online webinar, learn new skills and apply them at your location. Register now: Transportation Safety: Changing Norms and Decreasing Risk.
2. Driving Safety Games.
3. Download, print and display distracted driving posters.

In today’s world, there are more ways than ever for drivers to be distracted. Use this test to enlighten those of the “not me” mindset: The Myth of Multitasking. Then, conduct your own safety survey and share the results over time.