Texting and driving is a big issue today, and it is only becoming more important from a health and safety standpoint. While it’s an issue for anyone on the road today, the concern multiplies exponentially for as a business owner or as someone in upper management, now is the time to start thinking about how crucial this issue is too. Instead of simply repeating the same old “no distracted driving” mantra over and over, we’ve put together 10 reasons why you should put a stop to this dangerous practice among your employees and fleet.
1. Protect your employees’ health and safety.
Putting a stop to distracted driving will keep your employees as safe as possible and creates a work environment that puts worker health and safety at the forefront.
2. It’s easy to be proactive.
Today, there are excellent options when it comes to distracted driving technology that can help avoid many preventable workplace injuries, risk, and safety issues.
3. Protect your business.
Because laws and regulations are becoming stricter and stricter, it is vital that you are compliant. Starting to eliminate ALL instances of distracted driving today could avoid lawsuits or other concerns in the future. Doing so will protect your business from unwanted exposure and reduce the constant need for further training (safety training).
4. Prevent false accusations.
Unfortunately, you can only defend what you can prove. That’s why it’s so important to not only stop distracted driving but to take steps to utilize technology that could protect you from false accusations. This technology can ensure that you took all steps possible to protect your company and reduce risk.
5. Create a culture of safety.
Distracted driving is just one of many unsafe practices that often go unchecked in the workplace that is the largest impact on worker health and safety. Start with this as step one in creating a culture of safety. Assigning a safety representative to identify safety issues and implement safety training is another step to forming a culture of safety.
6. Let your drivers do what they do best.
Drivers know the road and they know how to drive. When they are being distracted by mobile devices on the road, they can’t deliver on their promise to be a great driver–allow them to be their best. Distracted Driving Technology will give these drivers assurance of their occupational safety and reduce the need for further workplace safety training.
7. Break bad habits.
Sometimes distracted driving isn’t so much a conscious effort, but a bad habit. By putting efforts in place to stop distracted driving, you’re breaking bad habits that could extend beyond the workday too.
8. Create awareness of risk.
Many drivers may not realize how common distracted driving is, how dangerous it can be or what actually constitutes distracted driving. By utilizing both education and enforcing technology, drivers can see for themselves that there are issues–making them more aware and more receptive to stopping the practice.
9. Changing behaviors can be fun.
When you put in place technology that gamifies and rewards safe driving, there is an incentive for drivers to improve their skills. You’ll see that it becomes “fun” for drivers to change behaviors in a positive manner.
10. It gets everyone home safe at night.
At the end of the day, you want your employees to make it home safe to their families. Stopping distracted driving is one step you can take to help assure this happens.
While you can’t possibly control everything that happens on the road, you can provide guidance and education. Distracted driving is a serious problem and one that everyone has a part in helping to resolve. It’s up to you to help your drivers stop this dangerous practice and stay focused on what really matters.