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In today's fast-paced work environments, mobile phones, GPS systems, and other in-vehicle technologies are vital tools for employee productivity. But when used on the road, these same tools become serious hazards.
Workplace distracted driving—any distraction that diverts a commercial driver’s attention from the road while on the job, is a growing safety concern for employers across industries. Whether your employees are driving delivery vans, visiting clients, or operating service vehicles, distracted driving can lead to severe consequences, both legally and financially.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of distraction while driving, examine current distracted driving statistics, and explain the risks of employer liability for distracted driving. We’ll also cover real-world workplace scenarios and offer a preview of prevention strategies to help employers keep their drivers and communities safe.
Distracted driving falls into three main categories:
1. Visual Distractions
These occur when a driver takes their eyes off the road. Common examples include reading a text message, looking at a GPS screen, or glancing at paperwork on the passenger seat. Even a split second of diverted attention can cause a serious accident.
2. Manual Distractions
This type of distraction happens when the driver takes one or both hands off the wheel. Adjusting the radio, eating, or reaching for items in the vehicle are typical manual distractions that reduce a driver’s control of the vehicle.
3. Cognitive Distractions
These occur when a driver’s mind isn’t focused on driving. Mental distractions—such as being deep in thought about work, engaging in a heated phone conversation, or dealing with stress like being late for a delivery—can impair reaction time even when hands are on the wheel and eyes on the road.
- Dispatchers contacting drivers mid-route
- Drivers receiving client calls while in traffic
- Changing routes or schedules while on the road
- Inputting job details or customer notes while driving
These activities may seem routine, but they can significantly increase the risk of crashes, especially when performed behind the wheel.
The statistics around distracted driving in the workplace are sobering. According to the National Safety Council, distracted driving is a factor in more than 25% of all crashes, and many of these involve employees driving as part of their job. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 3,000 lives are lost each year due to distracted driving, many during work-related travel. The type of job doesn’t matter, says the CDC–the risk is still there.
For employers, the financial costs are staggering. On average, a non-fatal injury crash at work that involves distraction costs the employer $100,310, factoring in property damage, legal fees, medical expenses, and lost productivity, reports the CDC. In cases involving fatalities or multiple injuries, costs can skyrocket into the millions; National Safety Council data from 2023 shows an average economic cost of a workplace fatality to be $1,460,000. Additionally, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of workplace fatalities, particularly in industries like construction, logistics, and field service, according to NSC data.
In commercial fleets, distractions are a leading cause of rear-end collisions and lane departure incidents. For industries like transportation and delivery, where driver safety is tied directly to operational efficiency, the human cost, injured employees, grieving families, and damaged reputations—cannot be overstated.
From a legal standpoint, employers have a responsibility to ensure safe driving practices among their workforce, and employees have the right to ignore work-related texts or calls while driving. Employer liability for distracted driving arises when an employee causes a crash while performing job duties, even if the company did not explicitly instruct unsafe behavior.
OSHA expects employers to provide a safe work environment, which extends to vehicles used for business purposes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific regulations prohibiting commercial drivers from texting or using handheld mobile devices. Many state laws also impose heavy fines and penalties for distracted driving, with several placing liability on the employer when incidents involve company-owned vehicles or phones. However, much of the data shows that even if a vehicle operator is using hands-free mode, cognitive distraction is still an issue.
In 2012, a Texas jury awarded $21 million to a woman who was struck by a truck driver in a distracted driving case. This case set a significant precedent, not just financially, but also by highlighting how the company “vague and ambiguous” cell phone use policy contributed to the verdict.
This is a reminder of the importance of having written policies, training, and documentation protocols in place to mitigate risk. If an employee is involved in an accident on the job, employers could face potential civil liability, personal injury lawsuits, criminal charges, and substantial financial penalties.
Distracted driving isn’t confined to delivery trucks or big rigs—it affects a wide range of job roles:
Distracted driving in the workplace is a complex issue with serious implications. From financial liabilities to human lives, the costs are far too high to ignore. Employers in all sectors must recognize the unique risks their drivers face and tailor safety protocols accordingly. Organizations like the CDC, NSC and even individual, for-profit companies like Verizon offer a wide range of solutions to inspire employers to take action.
- Partner with NETS: Network of Employers for Traffic Safety
- Consider using an in-vehicle monitoring system (IVMS) to reduce the risk of crashes
- Ensure all employees have the correct license to operate the vehicle they’re expected to
- Conduct a workplace driving risk assessment
- Develop or update your mobile device and driving policies
- Implement regular training on the dangers of distraction
