Most construction companies have policies that include regulations pertaining to hand-held devices, such as cell phones.

Studies have shown that texting while driving is incredibly dangerous; as a result, 40 American states have laws against texting and driving. Despite this knowledge, the National Safety Council reports that more than 1.6 million crashes occur each year as a result of texting while driving.

The Facts

• At any given moment, about 660,000 drives are trying to use their cell phones while driving (according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
• 25% of all car accidents in the U.S. are caused by texting and driving
• Studies have shown that if you text and drive, you are more than 6 times more likely to cause an accident than if you were driving while impaired

For Employees

Know the hazards associated with texting and driving. If you receive a text or a phone call from your cell phone and do not have access to hands-free devices, don’t answer! Wait until it is safe to do safe so, and pull over to use your device.

For Employers

Texting while driving shifts operator focus from the road and poses real workplace hazards. As an employer, it is important that your company creates and implements a mobile device usage policy. Take the following steps to protect your workers from distracted driving hazards:

• Prohibit the use of hand-held devices while driving commercial vehicles in writing
• Discuss the policy with employees
• Teach employees about the associated risks with texting or using cell phones while driving
• Instruct employees in safe manners in which to utilize cell phones (i.e. pull over and call back)
• Ensure that all workers (including management and senior employees) adhere to the policy