A workplace motor vehicle crash costs an employer more than $24,000. If the employee is injured, the cost increases to more than $125,000.
Off-the-job crashes are especially costly, accounting for 80% of employer crash-related health fringe benefit costs and 92% of employer crash-related health care costs.
Car crashes are the #1 cause of unintentional workplace deaths, taking a huge toll on businesses today.
Education is needed – for both employers and employees – about the risks and prevention, which ultimately should lead to an Employer Traffic Safety Program. To get you started, check out this round-up of past distracted driving and car safety blogs.
Distracted Driving Risks in the Workplace
Most tend to think of distracted driving as a teen epidemic. But it’s not.
The #1 cause of workplace deaths in the U.S. is transportation accidents, accounting for 40% of all occupational deaths in the U.S. in 2010.
Workers are at risk equally as much as anyone else. And employers need to understand the impacts and potential OSHA regulations they must adhere to.
Preventing Distracted Drivers in Your Workplace
OSHA’s top priority is keeping workers safe. Yet more workers are killed every year in motor vehicle crashes than any other cause. And with the advancements technology has made, distracted driving risks – texting and calling while driving – have become a leading cause.
As an employer, you have a legal responsibility to safeguard drivers while at work – on the road and off.
Distracted Drivers: Safety Comes First
All it takes it that ONE MOMENT you’re not paying attention to have an accident … to crash your vehicle into another.
Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America’s roadways. In 2010 alone, over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes.
Take control. Don’t let your cell phone – or other distractions – control you.
Cool, rainy weather will soon turn into the winter storm season. Time to make sure whatever you’re driving – company car or personal vehicle – is as ready as you are.
I’ve given you the start of a checklist and some safety tips to help you be better prepared.
What would you add?
photo credit: Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious via photopin cc