Advocating for Employee Safety: Emphasizing the Importance of Distraction-Free Driving

See the impact of motor vehicle crashes, advocate for safer driving, and reduce insurance premiums with insights from the NHTSA’s recently released report. Learn how you can promote the safety of your employees behind the wheel by advocating for distraction-free driving and fostering safer roads for all.

Motor vehicle crashes are not only devastating in terms of lives lost and injuries sustained, but also have a significant economic impact on individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.

In 2019 alone, the United States witnessed a staggering number of 36,500 fatalities, 4.5 million injuries, and 23 million vehicles damaged due to crashes. These incidents incurred a total cost of $340 billion, encompassing various factors such as lost productivity, medical expenses, legal and court costs, emergency services, insurance administration, property damage, and more.

Of this, distracted driving crashes incurred a collective cost of $98 billion in losses.

Addressing Distracted Driving in the Workplace

The 2023 Travelers Risk Index sheds light on a concerning trend: there is a high number of employees engaging in distracted driving behaviors, particularly due to work-related demands.

Employees who acknowledge being involved in a crash or collision while driving to work due to distractions has risen to 31%, marking an increase from last year’s figure of 26%.

Exacerbating this, studies show a staggering 87% of employers expect their employees to respond to work-related messages even when they are out of the office during work hours. 44% of employees who take work-related calls while driving do so because they believe they always need to be available for work.

How You as the Employer Can Help

Employers have a vital role in ensuring the safety of their employees on the road. It is crucial for them to emphasize the expectation that when employees are behind the wheel, their primary focus should be on driving, not on using their phones or responding to work-related messages.

By setting clear guidelines and fostering a culture that values safety, employers can send a powerful message that work can wait until employees are no longer driving.

Rather than expecting constant availability, employers can prioritize the well-being of their staff by encouraging them to respond to work matters when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

This approach not only protects employees from the dangers of distracted driving but also promotes a healthier work-life balance, enhances overall productivity, and reduces the company’s exposure to liability.

Safer Roads for Everyone

In addition to prioritizing the safety and well-being of employees, employers who actively promote a focus on safe driving can reap a range of benefits that extend beyond individual welfare.

By encouraging responsible driving practices and minimizing the occurrence of crashes and collisions, businesses can demonstrate to insurance providers their commitment to risk management. This proactive approach can lead to lower insurance premiums, ultimately saving costs for the company.

A decrease in accidents means fewer injuries, property damages, and potential fatalities, resulting in enhanced road safety for everyone. Safer roads foster a positive environment where individuals can commute and travel with greater peace of mind.

By actively promoting safe driving practices, employers can foster a culture of responsibility and accountability among their employees. Implementing comprehensive distracted driving policies, providing education and training programs, and leading by example can significantly contribute to creating a safer driving culture within the organization and beyond.

By prioritizing safe driving practices, employers can not only protect their employees but also contribute to a happier, healthier, and safer society as a whole.

Protecting What Matters

At Morris & Garritano, we firmly believe that businesses play a crucial role in curbing this dangerous behavior and promoting road safety.

By implementing and reinforcing effective distracted driving policies, business managers can make a significant difference. This includes clear communication of driving policies, encouraging colleagues to speak up when they notice distracted driving, and ensuring that employees are not called when they are known to be behind the wheel.

By spreading awareness and advocating for safer driving practices, we can work together to reduce the impact of motor vehicle crashes and ensure the safety of everyone on the road. For questions relating to distracted driving policies or fleet safety in general, please contact our office.