Distracted Driving Distracted Driving Company Harlan McPhee North McPhee South Powerhawke Ravex Richards Company Using the Form Job Name * Job Name and/or Number Date * Distracted Driving The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that approximately 25% of police-reported crashes involve some form of driver inattention where the driver is distracted, asleep or fatigued, or otherwise “lost in thought”. There is always a temptation (especially on long drives) to get work done but we can become overconfident in our use of radios, navigation systems or cell phones while driving. I’m sure many of you may have seen drivers: reading, applying makeup, shaving, or eating lunch (with both hands). This is a growing problem in the United States (and around the world). Recent studies suggest that about 10% of all fatal crashes are due, in part, to drivers who were simply not paying attention to their driving. This toolbox training provides insight into how inattention and distractions can lead to collisions and shares tips on how you can reduce your risk. You may want to share this information with family members and friends. Inattention Versus Distraction Inattention is when your mind is focused on something other than driving – planning your next task, thinking about your family, etc. This is very dangerous as your reaction time will be much longer than normal if an emergency maneuver is needed to avoid a collision. Distractions can come from billboard messages, reaching to steady a tipping mug of coffee, or rolling water bottle, adjusting the radio or climate controls, cell phone use, passengers, aggressive drivers, illness, and drowsiness. General Tips to Maintain Focus • Keep both hands on the wheel. • Minimize distractions from passengers. • Avoid taking your eyes off the road. • Check your mirrors frequently – this moves your head and eyes and updates you on conditions around your vehicle. • Think about a path of safe escape if a dangerous situation occurs in front of your vehicle. • Be especially careful near construction zones – traffic patterns can change suddenly, large equipment may merge, and the altered road surface can affect your control. Deal with Drowsiness • Get plenty of rest, maintain a balanced diet, don’t rely on coffee! • Take breaks if you recognize the danger signs of nodding off, excessive daydreaming, etc. • When practical, share driving responsibilities on long trips Stay Calm When Driving • Being emotionally upset can be very distracting – your mind may focus on the stressful issue rather than the highway and surrounding traffic. • Don’t “respond” to aggressive drivers’ actions. Ignore them or seek help from the police, if needed. If You Must Use a Cell Phone: • Phalcon requires hands-free cell phone use. • When possible, pull off the road and stop in a safe place before using your phone. • Let your passenger answer the incoming call. • Avoid distracting or complicated conversations – even if you use a hands-free device! • Let the person you're talking to know that you're driving; if necessary, call them back later. • Never take notes or look up phone numbers while driving. Summary Looking away from the road, reaching to pick up something from the floor, or letting your attention focus on anything other than driving can have immediate and deadly consequences. When you are driving, that is your assigned task. Stay focused on that. Plan ahead and be aware of your surroundings. We want to make sure all our employees arrive safely at their destination! Additional Comments Trainer Name * Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Picture Upload Drop a file here or click to upload Choose File Maximum upload size: 52.43MB reCAPTCHA If you are human, leave this field blank. Submit Δ
