This is part 3 of a 4 part Nextep focus on Driver Safety.

Each year cell phone distractions are associated with more than one million crashes, more than 500,000 injuries and nearly 6,000 fatalities, according to www.distraction.gov. While remote workplace technology such as smart phones can be a great addition in keeping employees connected when away from the office, they must be used safely. The table below shows the increased risk when driving distracted:

The Department of Transportation (DOT) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are encouraging companies to take responsibility for curbing distracted driving among your employees. A good start is to be sure your company policy clearly states that no cell phone use whatsoever should occur while driving and to initiate safety training for all employees who are issued company cell phones. Next week's Tip will provide suggestions for safety training.

Contact your HR Consultant at Nextep at hr@nextep.com to review your company's safe driving policy. For more information on implementing safe driving practices at your company, visit www.distraction.gov.