Some people in Kentucky may view having a company cell phone as a perk, while others may resent feeling like they have to be on-call at all times. In either case, it can be difficult to ignore the ring of the phone or the ding of a text message. However, one situation in which answering that phone call or text should be avoided is when you are driving. Doing so could lead to a distracted driving accident.
The statistics on distracted driving
Distracted driving is a serious problem in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018 14% of all motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. involved a distracted driver. That same year, 2,814 individuals lost their lives in collisions involving a distracted driver. Specifically, regarding cell phones, in 2018 approximately 2.1% of all motorists on the road at any given time in 2018 were visibly using a cell phone or other handheld device.
Texting and driving is especially dangerous
Texting and driving is especially dangerous, as it encompasses all three major forms of distractions. First, texting is visually distracting, as the motorist’s eyes are on their phone, not the road. Second, texting is manually distracting, as the motorist’s hands are on their phone, not the steering wheel. Third, texting is cognitively distracting, as the motorist’s attention is focused on the text message rather than on the task of driving. Given this information, it is easy to see how texting and driving can lead to a car crash.
How can workers avoid distracted driving?
Workers should not use their phones while behind the wheel. If they must answer a text or make a phone call, they should pull their vehicle over to a safe place to do so. They should also follow any workplace policies regarding cell phone use while driving, for example, a policy banning cell phone use while driving a company vehicle or personal vehicle.
Learn more about motor vehicle accidents
Ultimately, this post is for educational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Workers in Kentucky who want further information on motor vehicle accidents are invited to explore our firm’s website to learn more about this important topic.
