The National Safety Council recognizes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The federal government reports that roughly 3,000 Americans are killed on the road each year in distracted driving crashes. Nearly everyone has noticed a driver distracted by their cell phone, but when you’re the one distracted, you often don’t realize that driver is you.
Recognize the Hazards
Drivers who use a vehicle’s hands-free technology have a false sense of security. Many new vehicles on the road are equipped with technology that is assumed to be safe. The manufacturer would not put this technology in vehicles if it was not safe, right?
More than 53% percent of drivers believe that ‘infotainment’ dashboard screens and built-in, hands-free technology are safe when, in-fact, they are still distracting to drivers. Dividing your attention while driving is never safe—avoid the pressure to answer calls and texts while driving.
In a public opinion poll conducted by the National Safety Council, 82% of Americans said they felt the most pressure from their families to use phones while driving. Even teen drivers report feeling pressure from families, as well as friends.
Keys to Keep You Safe
Companies are encouraged to implement policies designed to eliminate the use of cell phones, even in hands-free mode, while driving for work. The National Safety Council also has created a free Safe Driving Kit with materials needed to build leadership support for a cell phone policy and tools to communicate to employees.
Cell phone blocking technology is most often an app for smartphones available from wireless services and specialty companies. The most basic technologies prohibit calls or texts while a vehicle is in motion. More advanced systems are capable of blocking audio features and tracking speed and sudden stops, while many send text or email notifications and provide helpful information for parents of teen drivers.
Dawood Initiative
Dawood Engineering has a Company Vehicles Policy which prohibits the use of cell phones, even in hands-free mode, while driving company vehicles. All employees receive training on this policy upon initial hire and refresh their knowledge periodically.