Companies should adopt cell phone use policies

Estimates are that one in 10 drivers is somehow distracted while on the road. It could be from eating, reading, using navigation devices, passenger distraction or cell phone use.  For this reason, handheld cell phone use or texting while driving is illegal in the State of Washington.

Accidents from these distractions can cause time loss of employees, increased insurance rates and leave company vehicles out of commission for extended periods.

If you have company delivery drivers, you need to explain the dangers of cell phone use while driving and that you are taking action by implementing policies that would prohibit both hands-free and handheld devices while operating a company vehicle.  Rick Means, WR’s Safety Specialist, urges companies without cell phone use policies to put them together soon. The National Safety Council recommends that those policies apply to all company employees.

Employees should be instructed to make calls before leaving the parking lot or at rest stops, but not while they’re on the road.

The safety council has created a series of short videos that answer common questions about cell phone use and driving.  On RS SafetyTV, there is a playlist of these videos.  This would be a great topic at your next safety meeting. Rick suggests showing a few with discussions between each video.

WR employs Rick to be available to members to help draw up safety plans and suggest topics for safety meetings. Contact him at 360-943-9198, Ext. 18 or [email protected]