What Is Considered Distracted Driving?

Posted October 25, 2024

In today’s hyper-connected world, where smartphones and other devices are constantly being used, the temptation to multitask behind the wheel is ever-present. The resulting behavior, known as distracted driving, encompasses a range of activities—not just cellphone use—that divert a driver’s attention from the road. Whether employees answer work emails, make business calls or even participate in discussions with passengers, these distractions can have serious consequences for individuals as well as businesses that rely on employees who drive as part of their job responsibilities.

This Risk Insights provides an overview of distracted driving and how to prevent it.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is the act of engaging in any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the primary task of safely operating a vehicle. It encompasses a wide variety of behaviors, including texting or talking on a cellphone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or navigation system, and even daydreaming. These distractions significantly increase the risk of accidents, as they impair a driver’s ability to react quickly and make sound decisions on the road.

Distracted driving heightens the risk of accidents, injuries and fatalities. In addition, the consequences of this behavior may translate into increased liability, risks to employee well-being, reduced productivity and compromised safety standards for businesses. Distracted driving can also result in damage to company vehicles, legal complications and reputational harm to organizations. Moreover, the financial costs associated with distracted driving incidents can be substantial; they may include medical expenses, vehicle repairs, increased insurance premiums and potential legal settlements.

Consequently, many jurisdictions have enacted laws to curb distracted driving, imposing penalties on offenders and implementing public awareness campaigns to emphasize the importance of staying focused behind the wheel. Despite these efforts, distracted driving remains a persistent problem. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 3,308 people were killed in 2022 by distracted driving, highlighting the need for continued education, enforcement and technological solutions to mitigate its impact and enhance road safety.

How to Prevent Distracted Driving

To mitigate the risks of this behavior, businesses should prioritize implementing and enforcing comprehensive distracted driving policies that clearly outline employee expectations. For example, employers should clarify that employees should not eat, answer their cellphones—even with hands-free devices—or multitask when driving company vehicles. It’s important to establish consequences for noncompliance with distracted driving policies. Additionally, employers should provide education and training on distracted driving and how to prevent it.

Leveraging technology solutions, such as driver monitoring systems and mobile device management tools, can also help businesses monitor and address distracted driving behaviors in their workforce. Any technology used by employees in the vehicle should be set up prior to operation.

Conclusion

Businesses should establish appropriate company policies that provide the expectations of the company when employees are using company vehicles. In addition, businesses can help protect their employees and safeguard their bottom line from the detrimental effects of distracted driving by training and educating employees that use company vehicles.