Safety Update

Safety Update: Going Beyond the Cell Phone Driving Policy

The verdict is in. Talking, texting or using a cellular phone while driving is putting your company, employees and members of the communities in which you operate at risk. Watch this video (1 min).

Over fifty studies on the use of cell phone use while driving indicate the that practice makes drivers four to six times as likely to be involved in an injury accident. Studies on the effects of texting while behind the wheel report the risk from eight to as much as twenty three times as dangerous as driving while focused on the road without using a mobile device.

The most recent and alarming statistic from the National Safety Council is that approximately 28% of crashes that occur on US highways (about 1.6 million crashes annually) can be attributed to folks talking and driving. This statistic is based on research that can be extended to Canadian roadways as well. A few key points to consider are:

1. A cell phone policy is an excellent starting point but is simply not enough. Cell phone driving policies are not enforceable. Numerous companies with whom we've talked to report drivers continue to use the phone while behind the wheel - even while being video taped and under threat of termination;
2. Hands-free solutions are not effective. Despite legislation permitting hands-free phone use, research shows that talking and driving hands-free is as dangerous as a handheld device;
3. Driving while talking causes driver impairment similar to having a blood-alcohol level of 0.08.

To help protect your company, your employees, and others from the cost and trauma of cell-phone related crashes we'd suggest companies consider the following options:

• Ensure you have the emotional and business by in from the executive team. Getting true buy-in is critical;
• Ensure employees know the latest statistics and encourage them to support a stricter policy. Research shows they'll be more productive and happier if they adhere to policy;
• Support legislative and educational efforts in your province and community. Be concerned about other drivers crashing into you and your employees. Down time is a bottom line issue;
• Join the Coalition for Cellphone Free Driving. Show your support and help make a difference or simply visit their site for a wealth of valuable information;
• Consider a technology solution. Aegis Mobility offers DriveAssist Guardian. An affordable cell phone driving technology that automatically detects driving, acts as a personal assistant to manage calls and texts for folks so they can stay focused on the road and job at hand.

Solving what Dr Louis Francescutti of the Coalition for Cellphone Free Driving calls, "the most neglected public health epidemic in Canada" will take all of us working together to support governmental, educational and technological efforts to effectively stop folks from using their phones behind the wheel.

About the Author
John Geyer is founder and VP of Business Development for Aegis Mobility. Aegis Mobility is based in Vancouver BC and was founded to create technology to address the cell phone driving safety.

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