When most people think about distracted driving, they think of young adults texting while they’re on the road; but they’re not the only offenders. As mobile phones and tablets become a necessity for work as well as pleasure, more and more people think it’s acceptable to multitask behind the wheel.
Business owners can be some of the biggest culprits when it comes to distracted driving due to their hectic schedule. With no time to waste, they will often use driving time was an opportunity to make conference calls, and use traffic light breaks to respond to pressing emails.
Why is Distracted Driving a Problem?
Distractions take the driver’s attention off the road, which can make them miss critical events and objects, or in severe cases, lose control of the vehicle. All of these circumstances can potentially lead to a crash, not only putting the driver at risk, but also others on the road.
Distracted Driving: The Statistics
Driver distraction is identified as one of the main causes of road crashes, estimated to account for approximately one quarter of car crashes [The Impact of Driver Inattention on Near Crash/Crash Risk, 2006].
A 2011 government survey carried out by the Department of Infrastructure & Transport found that 93% of Australian drivers owned a mobile phone and, of these drivers, 59% reported using their mobile phone while driving. The report found that 31% of drivers were reading text messages at the wheel and 14% were sending text messages while driving. In addition, the study reported that only 28% of drivers surveyed reported using a hands-free kit indicating that a large amount of mobile phone use while driving is conducted on hand-held mobiles [Community Attitudes to Road Safety: 2011 Survey Report].
How to Best Protect Your Business From Distracted Drivers
C-Suite managers and other business employees often have to travel to visit customers and suppliers, attend meetings at other company locations, and participate in professional development initiatives out with the office. While on the road, the vehicles and the passengers that they carry should be protected.
Business Car Insurance can help protect your company vehicles from any financial losses related to owning and operating them. Business Car Insurance will cover your business and your employee and in the event of an accident, whether or not it is considered to be their fault.
Speak to PSC Insurance Brokers for more information on insuring your business vehicles.
