It can happen in an instant. The ding of an incoming text message or a smartphone notification, and your drivers take their eyes off the road—putting themselves, your vehicle, and your business at risk.
Cell phone users have slower reaction times than drunk drivers with .08 BAC, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). And texting is one of the biggest problems. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds—and at 55 MPH, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Smartphone-based distraction is a growing menace lurking on our roads and highways—and your drivers and your company are at risk. In 2018 alone, insurance agencies estimated 4,637 Americans died in distraction-related crashes. That’s a 46 percent increase over 2017.
Distracted Driving Laws
Using a smartphone or tablet while driving is not just dangerous—it’s also illegal. Currently, 48 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban text messaging for all drivers. Additionally, 20 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from using hand-held smartphones while driving.
Drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be involved in a crash. That means your drivers are more likely to get in accidents, raise your insurance rates, and make your company vulnerable to potential liabilities.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) estimates that vehicle crashes cost employers $60 billion annually in medical care, legal expenses, property damage, and lost productivity. An on-the-job crash that results in an injury can cost an employer an average of $74,000. Costs can exceed $500,000 when a fatality is involved.
Plus, if that wasn’t enough to worry about, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) estimates auto insurance premiums have increased 16 percent since 2011, correlating with the increase in distracted driving accidents.
So, how can you protect your drivers and your business from becoming the next victim?
NexTraq® MobileBlock™ – in partnership with SafeDrivePod® – is a complete solution designed to help ensure your drivers’ tablet and smartphone screens are locked during driving. It’s a tool that helps you ensure your organization’s policies on smartphones are enforced.
Reduce Smartphone-Related Distraction
NexTraq MobileBlock includes a device mounted in the vehicle that sends out a wireless radio signal to indicate when the vehicle is driving. A powerful app running on the phone or tablet shuts off all access to apps when driving. Plus, you’ll receive feedback on how your drivers are following your organization’s policies.
NexTraq MobileBlock helps you reduce smartphone-caused distraction during driving by preventing drivers from texting, emailing, web browsing, and more. Yet emergency call functionality remains accessible, and your drivers can still use navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto apps, as well as make hands-free calls via Bluetooth®.
Many organizations understand the risks of distracted driving—and are protecting themselves and their employees. More than 20 percent of NSC members who had a cell phone policy of some kind saw a decrease in employee crash rates and property damage.
Reduce Liabilities
According to the NSC, many companies have been found liable for millions of dollars when their employees have caused distracted driving accidents while on the clock. To help reduce these liabilities, NexTraq MobileBlock perfectly complements NexTraq’s powerful portfolio of features focused on driver safety, including NexTraq® Dashcam™, NexTraq® Driver Training™, and NexTraq® Driver Safety Scorecard.
If that wasn’t enough, a partnership with Michelin gives NexTraq customers exclusive access to MICHELIN, a safety management program designed to help change driver behavior and improve fleet safety – without creating extra work for the fleet manager or internal staff members.
The integrated approach of MICHELIN Fleet Safety Solutions enables organizations to create a world-class safety program using data from NexTraq’s GPS fleet management system to drive action, proactivity, and compliance. NexTraq customers work with a dedicated Director of Customer Success, who analyzes their data and trends, develops an action plan, and provides coaching to enhance the fleet’s safety program.
Current MICHELIN Fleet Safety Solutions customers have been seen impressive results – including a reduction in speeding and hard braking events by more than 40 percent and the potential for insurance premium savings of 15 percent.
Help protect your drivers and your organization from the negative outcomes of distracted driving caused by texting, emailing, and gaming behind the wheel. NexTraq can help you find the right solutions for your fleet, helping you save lives and reducing your organization’s risk for distracted driving accidents.