According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,200 lives were lost on U.S. roads last year because drivers couldn’t keep their eyes and minds on the road ahead.
At Captive Resources, we understand the heightened risks transportation companies face from distracted driving incidents. We partner with our member-owned group captives to help implement life-saving preventative measures.
Continue reading to learn about the simple steps your company can take to help keep everyone safe on the road.
Distracted driving encompasses a lot more than just drivers using mobile devices. The three most common driving distractions are:
Common dangerous behaviors while driving include:
“Distracted driving is preventable. Committing to staying focused while driving will help keep all roadways safer,” said Dave Netti, Senior Vice President and Director of Risk Services at Captive Resources.
The statistics paint a troubling picture of America’s distraction epidemic. Data from NHTSA shows that approximately 8% of all fatal crashes in 2023 involved distracted drivers.
Research indicates that using a mobile device while driving increases crash risk by 400%. Even hands-free devices, while eliminating visual and manual distractions, still create significant cognitive distraction.
Proactive measures are essential for minimizing risk across all commercial fleets.
“Our commitment to safety excellence remains constant as we navigate this ongoing risk. We must stay focused and alert and continue driving progress towards safer roads for all,” said Netti.
Safety advocates recommend several strategies to reduce distraction-related crashes for transportation companies:
Recent research shows that looking at a mobile device for just five seconds while traveling at 55 mph is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded—a significant liability for commercial vehicles. If drivers need to take a call or send a text message, company policy should require them to pull over and park in a safe location.
Distracted driving accidents can cause organizations significant financial hardships, leading many transportation companies to invest in safety technology as a preventative measure.
These technological solutions include:
Consistent policy enforcement, yearly training, and rewarding safe driving will have a lasting impact on reducing distracted driving incidents.
Law enforcement agencies nationwide typically increase distracted driving enforcement during April, with many jurisdictions implementing zero-tolerance policies throughout the month.
Currently, 48 states and the District of Columbia ban text messaging for all drivers, while 24 states prohibit all handheld device use while driving.
Transportation companies should reinforce safety through driver education programs focused on safe driving practices and techniques for minimizing distractions. Developing clear policies and guidelines on what constitutes distracted driving and outlining consequences for violations is a great starting point.
Visit the NHTSA to learn more about distracted driving prevention programs.
