According to the National Safety Council, using a cell phone while driving is the cause of 1.6 million accidents a year. In the United States, 1 out of 4 motor vehicle accidents occur due to drivers using cell phones, and in 2018, there were more than 40,000 motor vehicle fatalities, and more than 4,000 of these were due to drivers using mobile devices while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 600,000 drivers are using cell phones or other electronic devices while driving during the day. Many states and localities have passed laws that regulate distracted driving; although there currently is no national ban on using cell phones while driving.

Discussion Points:
• Distracted Driving is the leading factor in motor vehicle accidents.
• Distraction can remain for nearly 30 seconds after using an electronic device.
• Motor vehicle accidents are the #1 cause of workplace fatalities.
• Enforce company policies that ban the use of mobile devices while driving.
• Nearly ALL Accidents Are Preventable.

Discussion:
Motor Vehicle accidents are the #1 cause of workplace fatalities, and distracted driving is the leading factor. 94% of accidents are caused by driver error with distractions listed as the leading cause of these human errors. Fact is, nearly all of the accidents are preventable! It is important for employers to recognize the hazards associated with distracted driving, and enforce company policies that ban the use of phones and other electronic devices while driving, and make it safer for their employees while on the job.

As always, be safe out there!