Risk Management: Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is dangerous. Is anyone watching the road, maintaining their safety cushion, looking several car lengths ahead, and in general, driving defensively? In 2015 alone, 391,000 people were injured as a result of distracted driving. What’s even more startling is that each one of those statistics could have been fully prevented.

During the month of April, join the National Safety Council (NSC) during Distracted Driving Awareness Month to help promote safer roads and communities. The NSC provides numerous resources on their website including a safe driving kit, case study and online course for employers. Check it out here.

Distracted driving is an issue every driver faces. And, if your public entity has fleets, setting expectations through clear communication and rules, establishing appropriate discipline and providing effective supervision is an important part of helping control this unique set of hazards.  Below are a few risk management suggestions to help manage distracted driving at your public entity:

• Drivers need to hear, not only from their immediate manager but, from their upper management that:
  • The safe operation of their vehicle is an important part of their job
  • Distracted driving should be avoided in all departments
  • Safe vehicle operation is preferred over quick arrival at the end destination
• Fleet safety best practices are evolving now to include “prohibited tasks while vehicle is moving” within the basic driver rules. A few tasks to consider prohibiting include:
  • Adjusting the radio or GPS
  • Texting
  • Answering a phone call: Hands free is not risk free!
  • Eating
• Develop disciplinary procedures to address non-compliance and distribute to all.
• Include the distracted driving topic within all driver training.
• Be sure department managers are not creating part of this distraction by encouraging or participating in visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.
• Law enforcement management should limit officers from routinely inputting data and attempting to read computer screen while driving. Sure it may have to happen occasionally but keep it to a minimum.
• Complete a ride along evaluation with all departments to see what their distractions are and how they are managing it.
• Ask the drivers for input as to what is their biggest “invehicle” distraction.

If you have questions on how to better manage your risk regarding distracted driving, contact us at OBGRRiskControl@onebeacongov.com.

Additional Resources:

National Safety Council

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration