Preventing Distracted Driving
Safety
The prevalence of distractions while operating a motor vehicle is a critical concern, especially for businesses with commercial fleets. Distracted driving poses significant risks not only to drivers themselves but also to others sharing the road. Understanding and preventing distracted driving is crucial for businesses that use vehicles in their operations to protect people and property.
Combating distractions takes proactive measures, including prohibiting cell phone use while driving, presetting navigation systems, and fostering a culture of attentive driving through education and enforcement of company policies and applicable laws. Technological innovations like simplified interfaces on vehicle systems can also help address visual distractions.
Ergonomic interior design principles may assist with minimizing physical distractions by placing vehicle controls within easy reach, and hands-free devices can reduce the need for drivers to take their hands off the wheel. Mitigating auditory distractions can be done by ensuring drivers keep conversations behind the wheel to a minimum and limiting the volume of in-vehicle alerts, communication systems and radios. Moreover, cognitive distractions can be addressed through driver education programs that highlight rest, mindfulness tactics and stress management techniques.
Distracted driving poses substantial risks. Fortunately, understanding the different sources of distracted driving and implementing integrated solutions that foster a culture of attentiveness on the road can help businesses effectively combat these concerns.
Contact us today for more risk management guidance.
Types of Distractions
Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the primary task of operating their vehicle.It may stem from the following types of distractions:- Visual: These distractions take a driver’s eyes off the road. Sources include in-vehicle technology, text messages, passengers and external factors, such as accidents or wildlife.
- Physical: Such distractions cause a driver to take one or both hands off the steering wheel. Sources of physical distractions are mobile devices, food and beverages, and other manual activities like changing the radio or climate control settings, adjusting mirrors, programming the navigation system and reaching into the backseat.
- Cognitive: These distractions involve a driver thinking about or mentally focusing on something other than operating their vehicle. Sources of cognitive distractions can include day dreaming, fatigue, stress or conversations with other passengers.
- Auditory: Such distractions consist of audible elements that divert a driver’s attention away from the road, such as loud music, others’ talking and in-vehicle alerts.
Solutions
Businesses should take a holistic approach to address distracted driving. Employees should be trained in the do’s and don’ts ofsafe driving, and drivers should be made aware of their company policies and procedures related to the safe operation ofvehicles. Employees should also be trained to pull off the road to eat, make phone calls or engage in any other potentially distracting activities. Additionally, vehicles should be set to drivers’ preferences (e.g., steering wheel and seat location, mirrorplacement) before being driven.Combating distractions takes proactive measures, including prohibiting cell phone use while driving, presetting navigation systems, and fostering a culture of attentive driving through education and enforcement of company policies and applicable laws. Technological innovations like simplified interfaces on vehicle systems can also help address visual distractions.
Ergonomic interior design principles may assist with minimizing physical distractions by placing vehicle controls within easy reach, and hands-free devices can reduce the need for drivers to take their hands off the wheel. Mitigating auditory distractions can be done by ensuring drivers keep conversations behind the wheel to a minimum and limiting the volume of in-vehicle alerts, communication systems and radios. Moreover, cognitive distractions can be addressed through driver education programs that highlight rest, mindfulness tactics and stress management techniques.
Conclusion
Distracted driving poses substantial risks. Fortunately, understanding the different sources of distracted driving and implementing integrated solutions that foster a culture of attentiveness on the road can help businesses effectively combat these concerns.Contact us today for more risk management guidance.