Ways to monitor a distracted driver for good follow-up
Most accidents caused by driver’s distractions often kill. This is because before the driver comes into immediate caution, most damages have been done.
Even a small distraction can have a lifetime of devastating consequences for individuals, families and employers. The statistics are eye-opening. About 80% of collisions and 65% of near crashes have some form of driverâs attention as contributing factors (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2010). The use of cell phones and other handheld devices are the most common distractions, but there are many others you need to consider. These include eating or drinking, grooming, smoking, conversing with passengers, pets, reading (e.g., a newspaper, directions, map), and using an electronic device such as a GPS, computer or tablet, MP3, CD or DVD player.
Building a safe and effective work procedure in road safety
Organization must learn to reduce driver distractions as this will also help to reduce the risk of collisions. This can be achieved only when employers and drivers work together to create, communicate and implement clear policies and procedures supported by necessary training and resources, as well as a strong safety culture.
What employers can do;
1. Organization must develop, affirm and implement a distracted driving policy that prohibits the use of cell phones or other forms of distractions while driving. A distracted driving policy, customized for your company, and ensure that all your employees that drive for work understand and sign it. Organization should ensure to inform employees who break such a policy that there will be a penalty.
2. Consider the use of technologies.
Employers should consider using technological tools to keep your drivers focussed on their driving responsibilities.
There is a wide variety of apps and tools available; consider one that:
– Disables some phone functionalities when a driving situation is detected, locking the driverâs cell phone screen and redirecting calls to voice mail.
– Locks the phone during driving to prevent calls, texts and e-mails.
– Reads text messages and e-mails out loud in real-time and automatically responds without drivers touching the mobile phone.
– Rather than using GPS technology to determine motion, directly integrates with the vehicleâs onboard diagnostics to determine motion and implement policy.
3. The use of stickers for distracted drivers can also be used on cars for more caution.
What drivers can do;
1. Understand how distractions impact your driving. The effect of distraction on your lives and that of others. A driver with adequate understanding will want to do better.
2. Consider watching a video on how to deal with distraction as a driver.
3. Talk to your employer about developing one if none exists. The policy of managing distraction is very important in road safety. So if your organization does not have a tabled-out policy, consider discussing it with the organization.
4. Make use of stickers that intimate you with the impact and side effect of action which are likely to easily distract you while driving.
