“Multitasking is tough, but I can do it.” Many people and professionals share this mindset. The reality is that multitasking requires the brain to switch focus, which reduces attention, reaction time, and decision-making skills. When behind the wheel, it’s extremely dangerous.
Overconfidence in multitasking can lead drivers to overlook the risks of distraction. For example, the 2024 Travelers Risk Index reveals that most people are aware of the risks associated with driving while using personal technology. However, 26% still believe they can do it safely.
The false belief in one’s ability to safely multitask leads to serious consequences. In 2023, NHTSA reported about 3,275 deaths and 324,819 injuries from distracted driving, making up 8% of all fatal crashes and 13% of police-reported crashes.
Company policies might prohibit actions that cause distracted driving. However, training can help people strike a balance between confidence and caution. Having clear and enforceable distracted driving policies, along with comprehensive training — both in-person and online — is essential for reducing crashes and liability.
Interactive learning, accessible anytime and anywhere, helps employees identify areas where their behaviors might be causing distractions and putting themselves, their companies, and the public at risk.
The Policy and Perception Gap
According to the 2023 Travelers Risk Index:
- 87% of employers expect employees to respond to work-related messages even when they are out of the office during work hours.
- 44% of employees who answer work calls while driving do so because they believe they must always be reachable.
This pressure leads to unsafe behaviors. The main reasons employees cite for driving while distracted include:
- Responding to a text message
- Being tired
- Talking on the phone
- Personal stress
Texting is extremely dangerous. Research from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute shows that texting while driving increases crash risk by 23 times and diverts attention for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
Studies from the University of Utah further show that talking on a phone while driving delays reaction times as much as driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent. Even hands-free devices pose risks, as they still often require manual and visual tasks, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
The data confirms this: the 2024 Travelers Risk Index revealed that 25% of employees involved in a work-related crash were distracted by a mobile device. Additionally, 64% of companies expressed concerns that distracted driving could lead to liability, marking the highest level in five years.
Setting Clear Expectations
Every business should have a distracted driving policy in place for all employees who drive as part of their job responsibilities. These policies should also include family members, customers, and anyone else who might contact them while they are on the road.
Employees often feel pressured to stay connected. They answer calls and texts while driving because they worry it could be an emergency, fear upsetting a supervisor, or find it hard to disconnect from work. Businesses should make it clear that safety is always their top priority.
The three most important corporate distracted driving rules, according to Travelers, are:
- Have employees pull over safely before making calls, responding to texts, or sending emails.
- Prohibit the use of handheld devices while driving.
- Require employees to check directions or set GPS before starting the vehicle.
Leveraging Technology and Training
More fleets are installing inward-facing cameras and advanced monitoring systems to detect distracted behaviors, among other risks. These tools utilize real-time data, such as eye and head movements, to detect distraction and drowsiness, including the use of handheld phones.
Technology is effective because it provides objective feedback. Telling a driver that distractions cause them to look away from the road might not have a substantial impact, but showing them video evidence of their distraction and how far the vehicle drifted makes the risk clear.
When distractions are identified, managers should address them quickly but constructively. Contact drivers when they are safely parked or meet with them before or after shifts to review incidents. Share specifics, such as how many seconds their eyes were off the road or the distance the vehicle traveled while they were distracted.
Equally important, make integrated training and e-learning on distracted driving part of the feedback loop to raise awareness and commitment levels, thereby preventing repeat offenses. The training should not be limited to professional drivers but should also include all employees who drive vehicles during company hours, promoting consistency and accountability.
Four Steps to Safer Drivers
Combining effective policy with training is essential to ensure that employees who spend time behind the wheel remain vigilant to avoid distraction risks. Besides having a formal policy that states your organization’s stance on mobile device use and other distractions, be sure to:
- Communicate your policies regularly. Go beyond signed acknowledgments and run regular campaigns to increase awareness through various channels, including emails, newsletters, videos, bulletin boards, and even vehicle signage.
- Model the expected behavior. Managers should avoid calling or texting employees who are on the road, demonstrating that no message is more important than safety.
- Train employees through a mix of in-person and online content that personalizes the message to promote reflection and strengthen their commitment to safety.
- Encourage safe driving, acknowledge positive actions, and reinforce standards as part of daily routines to promote a culture of safety.
Sustaining Your Efforts
Ultimately, multitasking while driving significantly contributes to accidents. Teaching drivers to recognize and change this behavior is essential. This involves more than just raising awareness; it includes establishing clear policies, ensuring consistent communication, leading by example, and offering effective training, all supported by technology.
Companies that incorporate these practices into their daily routines will significantly reduce risks, protect their employees, and foster a culture where safety remains a top priority.
