  April Is Distracted-driving Awareness MonthMost people are aware of how dangerous it is to text while driving, but many still don’t appreciate the risks of talking on a cell phone while driving. Yet the National Safety Council (NSC) estimates a significant percentage of all traffic accidents in the United States involve people talking on cell phones.
Why is it so dangerous? Because your brain cannot multitask. It does not process multiple tasks simultaneously; it rapidly switches between two cognitive activities. That means if you are thinking about your cell phone conversation AND thinking about driving, neither task gets your full attention — whether you use a handheld or hands-free device.
“Over the past 15 years, with the increased popularity of cell phone use, employers are finding the negative costs associated with on-the-job crashes far outweigh any perceived benefits,” explains Dane Mall, PDRMA Risk Management Services Manager. “Organizations with strong safety cultures are reducing the risks of distracted driving and protecting their employees and communities by banning the use of cell phones while driving, and PDRMA also encourages its members to reduce cell phone use while driving.”
The NSC offers a free cell phone policy template you can download by clicking here. The council’s cell phone policy applies to:
- Handheld and hands-free devices.
- All employees.
- All agency vehicles.
- All agency cell phone devices.
- All work-related communications — even in a personal vehicle or on a personal cell phone.
Visit the NSC’s distracted driving website page where you will find free infographics, videos and other resources to promote awareness of distracted driving with your staff. There is also a link to take the pledge to drive cell free.
You can download the following PDRMA resources to educate your staff about the dangers of distracted driving:
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