Don’t Put Yourself or Others in Danger, Prevent Distracted Driving

This April, companies are encouraged to support National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This is an important and growing cause as distracted driving is one of the fastest growing safety issues on the road. Distracted drivers aren’t just a threat to themselves; they are a huge danger to everyone on the road. Distracted driving is criminal behavior and its damages can leave families devastated for a lifetime. However, distracted driving is very preventable. The National Distracted Driving Effort works to change drivers’ behaviors through legislation, enforcement, awareness, and education. Getting a ticket, fine, or increased Unsafe Driving score is nothing compared to the lethal risk of distracted driving for you or the cars around you.

Although new car models and applications claim to include tech to combat distraction, these capabilities are still in the infantile stages and in no way substitute for the driver’s complete attention. The most prevalent form of distraction is manipulating an electronic device. This action involves visual, manual, and cognitive attention making the distraction that much greater. Many states have a specific ban on texting and others completely ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving, so make sure you’re aware of the correct legislation. On January 12, 2012, the restriction on hand-held cell phones for interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers and bus drivers went into effect. Both the driver and employer can be fined thousands of dollars for violations of this rule. Even if you have a distracted driving policy in place, now is a good time to review it and make any necessary changes. Additionally, encourage all employees to take the pledge to drive cell-phone free at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving. 

To learn more about preventing distracted driving, Visit: https://cloud.safe.nsc.org/safe-driving-kit#_ga=2.75381010.18502408.1647277311-99478860.1631216546 

DII is your partner in safety, whether on the road or in the workplace. Our team of experts can work with you to understand your distracted driving policy and how to improve it. Please contact your DII representative for more information. #DistractedDriving  #NationalAwarenessMonth #HandsFree #NoTextNoTicket