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Countermeasures That Work Appendix A4. Distracted Driving 3.1 Employer Programs

3.1 Employer Programs


Effectiveness: 1 Star Cost: $
Use: Unknown
Time: Short

Overall Effectiveness Concerns: This countermeasure has not been systematically examined. There are insufficient evaluation data available to conclude that the countermeasure is effective.

This countermeasure involves State-based programs that address job-related distracted driving, which may pose a liability risk to employers. Employers can protect themselves by implementing policies that prohibit distracted driving and by monitoring compliance. There are many ways States can work with employers to address distracted driving. Some States, such as Delaware and Kentucky, have corporate outreach program staff devoted to distracted driving (GHSA, 2013). The programs usually involve dissemination of traffic safety material to employers, or sometimes directly to the employees themselves. States can also assist employers in promoting and enforcing policies to reduce distracted driving. Legally, employers can be held accountable for employees who are using cell phones (or otherwise distracted), and who are involved in a crash as part of their work (NSC, 2015).

Resources are available to employers to develop and maintain programs to prevent distracted driving. The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety program founded by NHTSA and led by private employers provides  training and outreach material for member organizations. Australia’s National Road Safety Partnership Program presents informational and promotional material on the program website; see www.nrspp.org.au/knowledge-centre/?resource-category=safe-users&id=17&resource-sub-category=distraction for an example of distraction related resources for employers. New Jersey has developed a sample cell phone use policy for businesses, available at www.nj.gov/lps/hts/downloads/Sample_Cell_Phone_Policy.pdf. The Texas Department of Insurance presents guidelines that employers may consider when incorporating measures to curb distracted driving by employees, including a sample agreement policy on on-the job device use that should be signed by both employer and employee at www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/videoresource/­stpcellphone.pdf.

Effectiveness: A systematic search in September 2019 did not result in finding any employer distracted driving program evaluations.

Costs: In comprehensive programs that are available at no cost, expenses will consist only of material production and employer time for training.

Time to implement: An employer program can be implemented within 3 months.