Distracted driving is one of the most pressing safety issues on the road today. With mobile phones, tablets, GPS devices, and in-car technology becoming integral to daily driving, it’s no surprise that the number of accidents caused by distracted driving has reached alarming levels. The dangers pose a threat to personal safety and have a significant financial impact on businesses, particularly those with fleet vehicles.
Businesses that rely on employees to drive for work-related tasks, from delivery drivers to salespeople to service technicians, are more vulnerable. The cost of a single distracted driving accident can be staggering, including vehicle repairs, medical bills, and legal fees, but also indirect costs like increased insurance premiums, vehicle downtime and lost productivity, and potential damage to a company’s reputation.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC) when factoring in indirect costs, such as lost productivity and insurance rate increases, the total cost per accident can rise to $150,000 or more. For businesses with fleets, the financial consequences of these incidents can add up quickly, affecting profitability and overall performance.
The rise of technology has streamlined many aspects of daily operations, but it has also brought significant challenges for the employees who drive as part of their job. While mobile devices are designed to enhance productivity and convenience, they can often lead to distractions with deadly consequences.
In fact, a study by the NHTSA revealed that in 2019, nearly nine percent of all fatal crashes involved distracted driving, with distracted drivers being responsible for over 3,000 deaths. It’s a stark reminder that the seconds we spend glancing at our devices or adjusting a navigation system can make all the difference between life and death.
DISTRACTIONS HAPPEN, SOLUTIONS EXIST
As the risks of distracted driving become more apparent, many businesses are turning to different solutions to protect their employees and their bottom line. One such solution is the use of custom-fit device mounts. While not a cure-all, phone mounts can help mitigate the dangers of distracted driving by promoting hands-free operation of devices.
Mounts that are custom made for each vehicle and device are designed to hold mobile devices securely in place, allowing drivers to access integral technology or take hands-free calls with minimal distraction. By positioning devices in easy-to-reach, eye-level locations, custom mounting solutions reduce the need for drivers to look down or take their hands off the wheel to interact with their devices. This simple yet effective solution can reduce distractions significantly, helping to ensure that drivers stay focused on the road while still being able to use necessary technology.
Unlike generic mounts, custom device mounts give more peace of mind to drivers because of their stability. This reduces the temptation to hold or manipulate devices manually, which can lead to dangerous distractions. In a world where businesses rely on technology in their vehicles, the ability to safely integrate that technology is essential.
For businesses, this creates a perfect storm of risk: employees who are increasingly reliant on technology while driving, combined with a culture that may unintentionally encourage multitasking in the vehicle. This makes it even more urgent to implement solutions that reduce distractions without sacrificing the use of technology that is necessary for business operations.
THE FINANCIAL IMPACT ON BUSINESSES
With workplace vehicle accidents costing businesses tens of thousands of dollars per incident on average, distracted driving is both a matter of public safety and a financial concern that can’t be ignored.
Fleet vehicles that are out of commission for any period can result in delayed deliveries, missed appointments, and a breakdown in customer service. On top of that, if an employee is injured, there are workers’ compensation claims, which can further elevate costs.
The longer-term impact of distracted driving accidents can be even more damaging due in part to the costs associated with legal battles, lawsuits, and potential settlement payouts, which can extend well beyond the initial incident. Businesses can also experience higher insurance premiums because of accidents involving distracted driving.
The financial toll of distracted driving should be a clear reason for why companies should take proactive steps to reduce these risks. Addressing distracted driving should be seen as an investment in the safety of employees and in the long-term health and profitability of the company.
PROTECTING EMPLOYEES, PROTECTING PROFITS
In the end, reducing distracted driving is about preventing accidents, protecting the well-being of employees, reducing operational disruptions, and safeguarding a business’s financial health. By investing in tools that promote safer driving, such as hands-free phone mounts and systems, and fostering a culture of safety, businesses can significantly reduce their risk of costly accidents.
Ultimately, the cost of doing nothing is too high. Distracted driving is a growing problem that affects us all, but by taking proactive steps, businesses can reduce distractions, lower accident rates, and protect both their workforce and their bottom line.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bjorn Spilling is the president and CEO at ProClip USA. To learn more, visit www.proclipusa.com.
