Tips to Help Reduce or Eliminate Distractions for Employees

Cell phone use has become one of the top reasons for distracted driving and contributes to a large percentage of accidents on the road. This behavior is more prevalent in drivers who travel for business – a survey of Traveler’s Insurance customers found that only 27 percent of those asked reported having a distracted driving policy through their employer. While keeping in touch with employees on the road is important, safety while behind the wheel should be the standard within any business or company.

Develop a Formal Policy on Distracted Driving

The first step in making sure that employees are safe while traveling is creating a formal, written policy regarding the use of cell phones while driving and other distracted driving behaviors. This document should firmly state the company’s position on distracted driving and should then be reviewed in detail with everyone in the business, regardless of their position. The policy should apply to anyone in the company who operates a vehicle as part of their day to day work or uses a company vehicle at any time.

Communicate Distracted Driving Policies Often

Like with any other safety regulation, the most effective way to communicate this policy is by repeatedly talking about it with employees. Have every employee sign an agreement acknowledging that they have read the policy and fully understand it. Make sure to remind employees of the policy that has been put in place. Email communications, newsletters and posting on the office bulletin board will ensure that employees understand what is expected of them and remind them of the importance of safe driving.

Lead by Example

Another way to help encourage employees to follow a distracted driving policy is leading by example. Make sure that management is aware of the policy and that they are following the regulations themselves. Recruit management to remind their teams that no matter what the circumstances a text message, email or phone call is not worth their safety or their life. To take this one step further, management should stop any conversation that is occurring while the employee is traveling.

In the fast-paced business world, it can be easy for an employee to justify using their cell phone while traveling. But the dangers associated with distracted driving make engaging in this risky behavior a liability. If there is not one in place already, employers should seriously consider creating a distracted driving policy. Once this has been established, reviewing, reminding and holding employees responsible for the policy will make any business and its employees much safer while behind the wheel.

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*Photo Courtesy of Lord Jim via Creative Commons License