Distracted Driving

Distracted driving, including texting while driving and cell phone use, is a major cause of motor vehicle crashes and deaths.  When drivers take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or are have their mind on other things; they are more likely to endanger the safety of themselves or others. In 2012 alone, 3,328 people were killed in crashes related to distracted driving.  Cell phones are a top distraction.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the risk of a crash or near-crash event for drivers who are text messaging is more than 23 times higher than that of an undistracted driver.

For workers, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of fatalities, and distracted driving greatly increases the risk. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that roadway incidents alone account for nearly 1 in 4 fatal work injuries. Under OSHA, employers have a legal obligation to prohibit workplace hazards, including texting and using hand-held devices while driving.  Any job-related tasks that motivate workers to text or take their attention away from the wheel should be removed immediately.

Learn how to develop a distracted-driving policy for the workplace.

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