Keep your attention on the road when you drive.
It is common to see the vehicle in front of you gradually slow or drift out of its lane, putting you and others in danger. These are signs of distracted driving, often caused by cell phone use.
Don’t be a distracted driver.
Consider the facts before you dial and drive:
- Cell phone use while driving quadruples the risk of a crash.
- When you dial and drive, your eyes are off the road and your mind is in the call, which differs from talking with a passenger. A passenger provides another pair of eyes on the road, alerting you of traffic conditions and weather.
- Recognizing the potential problems, many states have banned using cell phones and text messaging while driving and others may require hands-free devices.
- Many businesses now prohibit their employees from using cell phones while driving.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, many states and U.S. territories prohibit all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. All are primary enforcement laws, meaning an officer may cite a driver for using a hand-held cell phone without any other traffic offense taking place. The organization also provides information about other cell phone use and text messaging restrictions at the same link.
Organizations that promote safe driving urge all drivers to take the pledge to drive phone-free. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides a downloadable copy.
This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article.