Distracted driving: How to create and enforce policies to reduce corporate risk

Abstract

This paper examines best practices for how modern corporations can reduce risk and save money by designing, implementing and enforcing policies to guide employee use of cell phones while driving. Mobile phones are critical to modern business productivity. However, when used while driving, mobile phones pose a serious danger to employees, their families and the communities in which they live as well as an expensive liability to companies. Research shows that distractions from mobile phones cause 1,643 crashes, 904 injuries and 13 deaths per day costing employers over $24,500 per crash, $150,000 per injury and $3.6 million per fatality. Due to the risk and high costs associated with distracted driving, US corporations are increasingly exploring alternatives for implementing policies to determine what employees can and cannot do with their mobile phones while driving. But what’s the best way to proceed? In a world that has become dependent on mobile communications and messaging – how can corporate managers realistically ensure that employee drivers are using their mobile phones in a manner that is safe, legal and compliant with the company’s documented policies?