WRITTEN BY GARY SMITH, APARTMENT BUILDING MANAGEMENT WORKERS COMPENSATION SELF INSURED FUND
A 
government study concluded that driver distraction or inattention is a factor in over 70 percent of accidents. Drivers are two times more likely to be involved in a crash or near crash when talking on a cell phone, and three times more likely when dialing or operating a cell phone or electronic device.
Applying makeup or reading while driving increases the chance of a crash by 3 times. Inserting a CD doubles the likelihood of an accident. Eating while driving increases odds of an accident by one and half times. Reaching for a moving object while driving increases chances of an accident by a whopping 9 times, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study.
The study found that taking your eyes off the road for more than two seconds significantly increases chances of an accident. Drowsy drivers are four to six times more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers who are attentive.
Some Common Distractions
• Cell phones (especially smart phones) and navigation systems (entering addresses)
• Eating or drinking
• Talking with other passengers
• Adjusting the radio
• Smoking (falling ashes, lighting up)
• Attending to children, pets, etc.
Things To Do Before Driving
• Familiarize yourself with the vehicle, especially if this is a different vehicle than you are used to such as a rental or company vehicle
• Adjust all controls, mirrors, steering wheel and seats before taking the vehicle out of park
• Take care of personal grooming and meals before departing
• Place sunglasses, toll, parking cards/passes, etc within easy reach before leaving
When Operating a Vehicle
• Drive defensively; always wear your seat belt
• Pay attention to the road ahead, this allows for you to anticipate problems
• Do not use electronic devices while driving
• Do not read or write anything
• Do not eat and avoid smoking
• Do not engage in distracting conversation, especially in poor weather, poor visibility or high traffic
• Do not reach to pick up dropped objects, pull over first
Company Policies
To encourage safe driving from your employees, consider adopting the following policies:
• No cell phone use while driving; employees must pull over to use cell phone
• Provide navigation systems for employees traveling to non-routine locations so they are not using maps or written directions while driving. These units can also improve employee security by helping them not get lost and provide for recalculation of directions if a road is suddenly closed. If you do provide these units, specify that the vehicle must be in park when inputting addresses, etc.
• Require the use of seatbelts
• Prohibit smoking in company vehicles
• Require proof of insurance and valid drivers license from any employee driving on company business, even when using their personal vehicle
• Require pre-use inspections of vehicles, even an employee’s personal vehicle if being driven on company business
• Run Motor Vehicle Record checks for all employees driving on company business prior to hiring and annually thereafter. Establish guidelines which specify when an employee is no longer allowed to drive on company business due to points against their license.
• Establish accountability for vehicle accidents. Investigate vehicle accidents just like you would an accident in your workplace. Review the police report to determine if your driver was at fault or if they may have been able to avoid the accident had they been paying more attention, etc. and discipline accordingly.