The Cost of Distracted Driving – A Reminder

Distracted driving continues to be one of the most dangerous hazards on our roads. Whether it is eating, drinking, scanning the radio, fiddling with the navigation system, or texting on a cell phone, distracted driving causes thousands of accidents every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019 there were 3,142 lives lost due to crashes resulting from distracted driving. By taking their eyes off the road for just five seconds, while traveling at 55mph, their vehicle can travel the distance of a football field. Please do your part by reminding your drivers of how dangerous it is to drive while distracted.

The Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA), recently shared a video produced by the Minnesota Department of Safety, titled Eight Seconds: One Fatal Distraction, in which the dangers of distracted driving are reinforced. Though this video may be hard to watch, it is important to understand the magnitude of the consequences of distracted driving, and the impact it can have innocent lives.

To help reiterate the dangers of distracted driving, the MTA’s video highlights the tragic events of a true story which begins with a driver checking their cell phone and ends in a fatal accident. One of the driving points the MTA is hoping to make here is that by telling these stories in an impactful and real way accidents can hopefully be avoided. Using these incredibly powerful stories can be an educational tool in the trucking industry to prevent distracted driving.

While driving distracted is one the of greatest dangers on the road, you can impact the statistics and do as much as possible to train drivers on the magnitude of these dangers and how it can impact lives. Safety training and creating a culture of safe driving is one of the best prevention tools that can be utilized. Remember, driving is a full-time job.

The AssuredPartners Transportation specialists help clients understand these unique risks and how to prevent incidents, and adequately protect others and themselves in the unfortunate event of an accident. To hear more about how to best protect yourself and employees, contact AssuredPartners Transportation.

Disclaimer: The video that is linked in this article features scenes that may be difficult to watch and shows video footage of a fatal accident involving a semi-truck and a small passenger vehicle.