Distractions while driving continue taking lives on Australian roads making it a significant contributor among the fatal five.
Driving is considered a cognitively demanding task and as such requires the full attention of the driver- no exceptions.
Mobile smart phones have become a main culprit among accidents caused by driver distraction. As phones continue to be essential elements of our everyday life, demanding our attention with every notification, the rate of inappropriate use while driving rises every year.
However, there are other common distractions that can lead to incidents on the road such as:
- eating and drinking
- smoking/vaping
- applying makeup
- hair styling
- changing music or audio
- reading a map/navigation app
For those in fleet it is worrying to see the dangers your drivers could face should they take their eyes off the road. Keeping your drivers from making those mistakes can prove challenging, which is why establishing a clear company stance on safe driving habits can be vital to ensuring your drivers remain safe on the road.
“You need to set the policy, publish the policy, and support the policy, and make sure that the drivers understand the repercussions if they break the rules,” Cofounder and chief revenue officer of Motion Intelligence, CJ Meurell said.
In 2016 AfMA collaborated with The National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP) to create the Guide to Developing an Effective Mobile Phone Policy, aiming to assist organisations in establishing effective policies and procedures surrounding mobile phone use.
The Guide will help organisations answer the following questions:
- Why implement a Mobile Phone Use Policy?
- What evidence is there on mobile phone use while driving?
- What’s the risk to employees?
- What is the risk to an organisation?
- Why invest the time in developing a Mobile Phone Use Policy?
- How does an organisation successfully develop a Mobile Phone Use Policy?
AfMA also offers the SUMV survey, a free opportunity for any organisation wanting to participate. The survey draws on concepts and questions discussed in the Guide to Developing an Effective Mobile Phone Policy.
The SUMV baseline survey is available to Members and Non-Members.
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