Traffic Safety is Crucial to Your Business

By Kristin Pettway, DRIVE SMART Virginia

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the perfect opportunity for workplaces to review their traffic safety policies and communications. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of workplace deaths in America. Even if you don’t have a fleet of vehicles, safe driving should still matter to your business. After all, for many employees, the most dangerous part of their workday is during their commute.

A comprehensive traffic safety program can:

• help employers control costs by reducing crashes
• protect a company’s human and financial resources
• guard against potential liabilities
• save lives and reduce the risk of life-altering injuries within a workforce

According to NETS, U.S. traffic crashes cost employers $72.2 billion annually in expenses such as medical care, liability, lost productivity, increased insurance, and property damage. There are solutions to help reduce the possibility of a work-related crash. Here are some tips:

• Company leadership MUST support and stay involved in traffic safety policies, activities, and communications.
• Make sure your policies are clear, direct, and enforceable. Policies should include drivers following all traffic laws, buckling up, and driving distraction-free. The only truly safe policy is a complete cell phone ban behind the wheel (not just hands-free).
• Use technology to help enforce your policies. Install video monitoring devices in company vehicles or cell phone blocking apps on company phones.
• Let your employees know that their safety is your top priority! Reward them for their safe driving records and coach them when there a “teachable” moments.
• Invite traffic safety experts and crash survivors to your workplace for presentations or to host an exhibit at your next health and safety event.
• Create a culture of safety that extends beyond your workplace and into your community.

Join the #EyesOnTheRoad Campaign for Safer Roads

In a collaboration to combat the dangers of distracted driving, Drive Smart Virginia has joined forces with Zutobi to launch the #EyesOnTheRoad Campaign. This initiative highlights the dangerous consequences of not paying full attention to the road. Through a series of compelling images, the campaign vividly illustrates just how risky distracted driving can be.

Did you know that sending or reading a text while driving takes your eyes off the road for an alarming 5 seconds? When traveling at 55 mph, this is equivalent to driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes completely closed. The imagery provided by the #EyesOnTheRoad Campaign starkly captures this dangerous behavior, serving as a wake-up call to drivers everywhere.

Download Images

By spreading the word and promoting safe driving practices, we can collectively make our roads safer for everyone. Remember, even glancing away from the road can lead to irreversible consequences.

Contacts

For more creative ideas and case studies on how to incorporate traffic safety in your workplace, visit drivesmartva.org or contact Kristin Pettway at kristin.pettway@drivesmartva.org.

Zutobi PR department is happy to assist you with any queries at press@zutobi.com