Texting while driving is commonly attributed to teen drivers. But, as this article from EHS Today points out, the modern professional is often similarly at fault for multitasking behind the wheel. The article says that the current economic situation, the need to work harder and longer hours, and growing demands placed on employees have all led to an uptick in business being conducted behind the wheel, and this increase has brought about increased risks.
When you are distracted—whether by an email or a conference call—your attention is not wholly on the road in front of you. And with each task that you add, you are paying less and less attention to your driving.
Distracted drivers aren’t only the teenagers texting friends or the mothers who have a screaming baby in the backseat; they are distracted commuters and those who are wrapping up business while in between destinations.
Douglas R. Horn, a distracted driving expert, says some of the responsibility in reducing accidents due to distraction lies with employers.
Our work-oriented society and the availability of technology 24/7 – even when we’re driving – can be a deadly combination. Horn suggests that education, rather than legislation, will prove to be the key for reducing highway injuries and fatalities resulting from multi-tasking on the highways, and the best venue for such education can be found in the private sector’s corporate environment.
“Corporations and businesses have a tremendous vested interest in educating their employees on the dangers of distracted driving,” Horn said. “Recent multi-million-dollar judgments against corporations whose employees killed or injured other drivers and/or their passengers while using cell phones or smart phones have forced companies to open their eyes and become proactive in instructing their employees on safe driving practices.”
Horn said that human resource managers can implement distracted driving prevention into their existing corporate wellness programs. Furthermore, businesses should be encouraged and rewarded for ensuring their workers are multitasking in the office instead of on the road. That means employers need to be involved and regularly interact with their employees about safe driving behavior in order to help change the culture.
The bottom line is this: Don’t multitask while driving. Be safe and avoid accidents by saving your emails and phone meetings for later.
Kevin Krist, Accident Attorney
Even when you refuse to take important calls while driving and you save your emails for red lights, not everyone else is taking those same safety steps. We are all at the mercy of other distracted drivers. And these drivers are frequently the ones causing accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a Houston car accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries, the time you’ve missed from work, your medical costs, and your pain and suffering. Contact my offices today to discuss your case and how I might be able to help. I can be reached for a free consultation at 281-677-3967.
