Distracted driving is defined as any activity that removes the operator’s vision from the roadway and/or hand(s) from the vehicle controls. Operating a vehicle safely and “defensively” requires the full attention of the driver.
Hands-free is not risk free. The science is crystal clear on this fact and numerous studies have demonstrated that the use of handheld and hands-free devices while driving pose a significant safety risk to motorists, their passengers, and others on the road.
Below is an example of a basic Distracted Driving Policy.
Sample Distracted Driving Policy
At [Your Company Name Here], we deeply value the safety and wellbeing of all employees and are committed to ensuring a safe working environment. With the proliferation of electronic device and in-vehicle infotainment system use while driving, coupled with the myths surrounding a person’s ability to multitask, we have established the following distracted driving policy.
[Your Company Name Here] employees shall:
- Not use handheld or hands-free mobile electronic devices or voice features in vehicles while operating a motor vehicle.
- Turn on the “Do Not Disturb” feature on smartphones and other mobile devices. If the feature is not available, turn off or silence mobile devices to prevent distraction.
- Pull over to a safe place out of traffic lanes and put the vehicle in “Park” if a call or text must be made.
- Inform clients, associates, and business partners of this company policy to explain why calls, texts or emails may not be returned immediately.
- Program any global positioning system (GPS), music device, or dashboard/voice infotainment system prior to departing. If adjustments are needed while driving, pull over to a safe place out of traffic lanes and put the vehicle in “Park” to make the appropriate adjustment.
Electronic distractions are only one type of distraction. Drivers should also refrain from eating, drinking, reading and other activities that may divert attention away from the task of driving.
[Your Company Name Here] is committed to keeping our workers safe and holding our employees to the highest standard of safety. This is so important that violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Your signature below certifies your agreement to comply with this policy.
Have employee sign, date and return to appropriate supervisor/recordkeeper.
The loss prevention information and advice presented in this document is intended only to advise our clients, customers and business partners of a variety of methods and strategies based on generally accepted safe practices, for controlling potentially loss producing situations commonly occurring in business premises and/or operations. They are not intended to warrant that all potential hazards or conditions have been evaluated or can be controlled. They are not intended as an offer to provide insurance coverage for such conditions or exposures, or to imply that UNITEL Insurance Group will provide such coverage. The liability of UNITEL Insurance Group is limited to the specific terms, limits and conditions of the insurance policies issued, if any.
