October 27, 2010

2. Ken Stecker, Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan, Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor- Ken Stecker Ken is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University, with a bachelor�s degree in Political Science. He graduated from the University of Detroit School of Law. Ken has served as judicial law clerk, environmental law attorney and prosecutor serving in Kalamazoo County, and then Branch County where he was the Chief Assistant for approximately 8 years. He has tried every traffic case imaginable, from OWI to vehicular homicide. On March 31, 2008, Ken Stecker was selected as the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (�TSRP�) for the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan. One of the many goals in his position is to be a dedicated and committed liaison between the state�s prosecutors and the traffic safety community and to work for better coordination in the prosecution of traffic safety violations. Office of Highway Safety Planning- A division of the Michigan State Police, OHSP is the state highway safety office responsible for administering federal funds to police agencies for enforcement of traffic safety issues and orchestrating media and educational campaigns to improve traffic safety on Michigan roads. Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan, Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor- Ken Stecker Ken is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University, with a bachelor�s degree in Political Science. He graduated from the University of Detroit School of Law. Ken has served as judicial law clerk, environmental law attorney and prosecutor serving in Kalamazoo County, and then Branch County where he was the Chief Assistant for approximately 8 years. He has tried every traffic case imaginable, from OWI to vehicular homicide. On March 31, 2008, Ken Stecker was selected as the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (�TSRP�) for the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan. One of the many goals in his position is to be a dedicated and committed liaison between the state�s prosecutors and the traffic safety community and to work for better coordination in the prosecution of traffic safety violations. Office of Highway Safety Planning- A division of the Michigan State Police, OHSP is the state highway safety office responsible for administering federal funds to police agencies for enforcement of traffic safety issues and orchestrating media and educational campaigns to improve traffic safety on Michigan roads.

3. Seat belt use Impaired driving Red light running Speeding Aggressive driving Distracted driving

4. Current research and statistics Recent and emerging legislation Employer liability and how to limit it Why a policy is necessary How to implement a policy Types of policies Making the transition to a phone-free (or at least phone-reduced workplace) When we talk about distracted driving, what comes immediately to mind is the cell phone, but distracted driving is a long standing issue. It first came up when windshield wipers were added to a car. When mechanical wipers became standard equipment on American cars, many people criticized them, predicting that their rhythmic motion would distract drivers and lull them into an almost trance-like state. Also, in 1930, two states unsuccessfully attempted to ban radios in cars, saying they distracted drivers and disturbed the peace. Big City Driver: Driver News and Magazine When we talk about distracted driving, what comes immediately to mind is the cell phone, but distracted driving is a long standing issue. It first came up when windshield wipers were added to a car. When mechanical wipers became standard equipment on American cars, many people criticized them, predicting that their rhythmic motion would distract drivers and lull them into an almost trance-like state. Also, in 1930, two states unsuccessfully attempted to ban radios in cars, saying they distracted drivers and disturbed the peace. Big City Driver: Driver News and Magazine

5. What percent of people think texting or e-mailing while driving is a serious safety threat? 62 percent 88 percent 75 percent 30 percent Answer: 88% � Most people know the behavior is dangerous, but a lot of people are still doing it! About 40 percent of drivers admit to texting or e-mailing while driving. 2010 Traffic Safety Culture Index-AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety �Answer: 88% � Most people know the behavior is dangerous, but a lot of people are still doing it! About 40 percent of drivers admit to texting or e-mailing while driving. 2010 Traffic Safety Culture Index-AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety �

6. Voluntary compliance for safe driving is difficult Most people think �other people� are the problem Driving without a crash reinforces risky behavior We�ve been conditioned to answer the phone, text Time in the car has been seen as �down time� We know people think distracted driving is dangerous, but they are still doing it, in personal and work vehicles. By changing the policy, we�re asking you to change the culture of using a phone while driving, of being constantly connected. This will not be easy. Some of reasons this will be a challenge include: Voluntary compliance for safe driving is difficult. Most people think �other people� are the problem when they text and drive or talk on the cell while driving. Driving without a crash reinforces risky behavior- the longer drivers go without a crash, the more it will reinforce the myth that it is not a dangerous practice. We�ve been conditioned to answer the phone or text as soon as it rings. Time in the car has been seen as �down time�, people schedule conference calls when they know they�ll be in the car, use that time to catch up on calls and return messages. We know people think distracted driving is dangerous, but they are still doing it, in personal and work vehicles. By changing the policy, we�re asking you to change the culture of using a phone while driving, of being constantly connected. This will not be easy. Some of reasons this will be a challenge include: Voluntary compliance for safe driving is difficult. Most people think �other people� are the problem when they text and drive or talk on the cell while driving. Driving without a crash reinforces risky behavior- the longer drivers go without a crash, the more it will reinforce the myth that it is not a dangerous practice. We�ve been conditioned to answer the phone or text as soon as it rings. Time in the car has been seen as �down time�, people schedule conference calls when they know they�ll be in the car, use that time to catch up on calls and return messages.

7. Twenty percent of drivers text while driving Cell phones cause 1.4 million crashes each year 18 percent of fatalities are distraction-related 30-39- year-olds have the highest proportion of cell phone distraction in fatal crashes Most people recognize the dangers of distracted driving and they might not even know the statistics to support their feelings. As I mentioned: Twenty percent of drivers admit to reading/writing texts while driving. The number jumps to 47 percent for people under 35. Cell phones cause an average of 1.4 million crashes each year. Eighteen percent of fatalities are distraction-related. And surprisingly to some, it is not teens, but 30-39- year-olds that have the highest proportion of cell phone distraction in fatal crashes. 1- Nationwide Insurance study, 2010 2- http://cellphones.org/blog/facts-about-text-messaging, 2010 3-4-NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts Research Note, Sept. 2010 Most people recognize the dangers of distracted driving and they might not even know the statistics to support their feelings. As I mentioned: Twenty percent of drivers admit to reading/writing texts while driving. The number jumps to 47 percent for people under 35. Cell phones cause an average of 1.4 million crashes each year. Eighteen percent of fatalities are distraction-related. And surprisingly to some, it is not teens, but 30-39- year-olds that have the highest proportion of cell phone distraction in fatal crashes. 1- Nationwide Insurance study, 2010 2- http://cellphones.org/blog/facts-about-text-messaging, 2010 3-4-NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts Research Note, Sept. 2010

8. Crashes are the #1 cause of workplace death An on-the-job crash = $24,000+ An on-the-job injury crash = $125,000+ An on-the-job fatal crash = $3.6 million+ Using a phone while driving makes drivers four time more likely to crash: risks are even higher with texting and e-mails More specific to the workplace, we can see the costs and true dangers of crashes on the job. Crashes are the number one cause of workplace death An on-the-job crash can cost employers $24,000+ An on-the-job injury crash can cost employers $125,000+ An on-the-job fatal crash can cost $3.6 million+ Using a phone while driving makes drivers four time more likely to crash: risks are even higher with texting and e-mails. If you had a piece of equipment that made a workplace four times more dangerous, wouldn�t you have a policy to protect yourself and your employees? National Safety Council More specific to the workplace, we can see the costs and true dangers of crashes on the job. Crashes are the number one cause of workplace death An on-the-job crash can cost employers $24,000+ An on-the-job injury crash can cost employers $125,000+ An on-the-job fatal crash can cost $3.6 million+ Using a phone while driving makes drivers four time more likely to crash: risks are even higher with texting and e-mails. If you had a piece of equipment that made a workplace four times more dangerous, wouldn�t you have a policy to protect yourself and your employees? National Safety Council

9. Visual- taking your eyes off the road Manual- taking your hands off the wheel Cognitive- taking your mind off what you're doing Texting includes all three types! As you have probably noticed, this problem is getting lots of national attention. Driver distraction is a major focus of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration because it is leading to crashes. There are three main types of distraction: Visual - taking your eyes off the road Manual - taking your hands off the wheel Cognitive - taking your mind off what you're doing. This is also why hands-free phones still pose a threat to driver safety, even if a drivers hands are on the wheel and eyes are on the road, if their mind is focused on the call, they are less focused on driving. While all distractions can endanger drivers' safety, texting is the most alarming because it involves all three types of distraction.As you have probably noticed, this problem is getting lots of national attention. Driver distraction is a major focus of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration because it is leading to crashes. There are three main types of distraction: Visual - taking your eyes off the road Manual - taking your hands off the wheel Cognitive - taking your mind off what you're doing. This is also why hands-free phones still pose a threat to driver safety, even if a drivers hands are on the wheel and eyes are on the road, if their mind is focused on the call, they are less focused on driving. While all distractions can endanger drivers' safety, texting is the most alarming because it involves all three types of distraction.

10. No reading, typing or sending texts while driving Driving is: operating a motor vehicle on a street or highway Primary enforcement law Exceptions for emergencies No points, not abstracted $100 first offense, $200 each time after Michigan passed a texting ban in July 2010 which prohibits a person from reading, manually typing, or sending a text message on a wireless two-way communication device, including a wireless phone, that is located in the person�s hand or lap, while operating a moving motor vehicle on a street or highway in the state. There are exceptions to report a traffic accident, medical emergency, or serious road hazard. Report a situation in which the person believes his or her personal safety is in jeopardy. Report or avert the perpetration or potential perpetration of a criminal act against the individual or another person. Carry out official duties as a police officer, law enforcement official, member of a paid or volunteer fire department, or emergency vehicle operator. Penalties- An individual who violates the prohibition is responsible for a civil infraction, subject to a mandatory civil fine of $100 for a first violation and $200 for a subsequent violation. Michigan passed a texting ban in July 2010 which prohibits a person from reading, manually typing, or sending a text message on a wireless two-way communication device, including a wireless phone, that is located in the person�s hand or lap, while operating a moving motor vehicle on a street or highway in the state. There are exceptions to report a traffic accident, medical emergency, or serious road hazard. Report a situation in which the person believes his or her personal safety is in jeopardy. Report or avert the perpetration or potential perpetration of a criminal act against the individual or another person. Carry out official duties as a police officer, law enforcement official, member of a paid or volunteer fire department, or emergency vehicle operator. Penalties- An individual who violates the prohibition is responsible for a civil infraction, subject to a mandatory civil fine of $100 for a first violation and $200 for a subsequent violation.

11. Careless driving A person who operates a vehicle upon a highway or other place open to the general public including an area designated for the parking of vehicles in a careless or negligent manner likely to endanger any person or property, but without wantonness or recklessness, is responsible for a civil infraction. MCL 257.626b Reckless driving A person who operates a vehicle upon a highway or road or other place open to the general public, including, but not limited to, an area designated for the parking of motor vehicles, in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. Reckless driving causing death Up to 15 years imprisonment; $2,500.00-$10,000.00 fine; 6 points Implied consent triggered if law enforcement officer believes alcohol or drugs involved, jury shall not be instructed on crime of moving violation causing death counts as prior conviction for drunk driving offenses Repeals sections that prescribe penalties for felonious driving and negligent homicide Effective, October, 2010 Reckless Operation causing serious impairment Up to 5 years imprisonment; $1,000.00-$5,000.00 fine; Implied consent triggered if officer believes alcohol or drugs involved; Counts as prior conviction for drunk driving offenses; 6 points Effective, October 31, 2010 Moving violation causing death Up to 1 year in jail; Up to $2,000 fine; Implied consent triggered if officer believes alcohol or drugs were involved; Counts as prior conviction for drunk driving offenses 6 points Effective, October 31, 2010. Moving violation causing serious impairment Up to 93 days in jail; Up to $500.00 fine; Implied consent triggered if officer believes alcohol or drugs were involved, it is not a lesser included offense of reckless operation causing death, counts as prior conviction for drunk driving offenses; 6 points Effective, October 31, 2010 Moving violation resulting in an at-fault collision Civil fine increased by $25.00 (but total fine not to exceed $100.00); 4 points; Effective, October 31, 2010 Moving violation Prohibited act or omission under the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code or local ordinance that involves the operation of a motor vehicle and for which a fine may be assessed. Careless driving A person who operates a vehicle upon a highway or other place open to the general public including an area designated for the parking of vehicles in a careless or negligent manner likely to endanger any person or property, but without wantonness or recklessness, is responsible for a civil infraction. MCL 257.626b Reckless driving A person who operates a vehicle upon a highway or road or other place open to the general public, including, but not limited to, an area designated for the parking of motor vehicles, in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. Reckless driving causing death Up to 15 years imprisonment; $2,500.00-$10,000.00 fine; 6 points Implied consent triggered if law enforcement officer believes alcohol or drugs involved, jury shall not be instructed on crime of moving violation causing death counts as prior conviction for drunk driving offenses Repeals sections that prescribe penalties for felonious driving and negligent homicide Effective, October, 2010 Reckless Operation causing serious impairment Up to 5 years imprisonment; $1,000.00-$5,000.00 fine; Implied consent triggered if officer believes alcohol or drugs involved; Counts as prior conviction for drunk driving offenses; 6 points Effective, October 31, 2010 Moving violation causing death Up to 1 year in jail; Up to $2,000 fine; Implied consent triggered if officer believes alcohol or drugs were involved; Counts as prior conviction for drunk driving offenses 6 points Effective, October 31, 2010. Moving violation causing serious impairment Up to 93 days in jail; Up to $500.00 fine; Implied consent triggered if officer believes alcohol or drugs were involved, it is not a lesser included offense of reckless operation causing death, counts as prior conviction for drunk driving offenses; 6 points Effective, October 31, 2010 Moving violation resulting in an at-fault collision Civil fine increased by $25.00 (but total fine not to exceed $100.00); 4 points; Effective, October 31, 2010 Moving violation Prohibited act or omission under the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code or local ordinance that involves the operation of a motor vehicle and for which a fine may be assessed.

12. The employer would be liable if their employee was in a crash if� The employee was driving a company car and using a company phone The employee was driving their own car and using a company phone The employee was driving a company car and using their own phone The employee was driving their own car and using their own phone Answer: In some cases, all of these are true. As we�ll show in a few minutes, there are several scenarios where an employer has been held liable and paid out millions of dollars after an employee was involved in a crash. Answer: In some cases, all of these are true. As we�ll show in a few minutes, there are several scenarios where an employer has been held liable and paid out millions of dollars after an employee was involved in a crash.

13. Safety Brand Money Companies should be worried about this issue, distracted driving is dangerous and could be costly. Employers are concerned with: Safety: You want your employees to be safe and keep your vehicles and equipment running. If an employee is involved in a crash, you could be facing loss of productivity since half of crash-related injuries force employees to miss work (NHTSA). Brand: A high profile crash of any kind can be detrimental to your reputation; add in a hot topic like distracted driving and it could be a PR nightmare. Companies want to take steps to be proactive and appear to be ahead of the curve on safety issues. Money: The bottom line is crashes are expensive. We�ll see some dollar amounts in a minute, but costs after a crash could involve higher insurance premiums, repair costs and potential legal payouts. Companies should be worried about this issue, distracted driving is dangerous and could be costly. Employers are concerned with: Safety: You want your employees to be safe and keep your vehicles and equipment running. If an employee is involved in a crash, you could be facing loss of productivity since half of crash-related injuries force employees to miss work (NHTSA). Brand: A high profile crash of any kind can be detrimental to your reputation; add in a hot topic like distracted driving and it could be a PR nightmare. Companies want to take steps to be proactive and appear to be ahead of the curve on safety issues. Money: The bottom line is crashes are expensive. We�ll see some dollar amounts in a minute, but costs after a crash could involve higher insurance premiums, repair costs and potential legal payouts.

14. Tort: Damage, injury, or a wrongful act done willfully, negligently, or in circumstances involving strict liability A few legal terms you should know. Tort: (means wrong) Damage, injury, or a wrongful act done willfully, negligently, or in circumstances involving strict liability. Does not include instance involving breach of contract, for which a civil suit may be brought. A few legal terms you should know. Tort: (means wrong) Damage, injury, or a wrongful act done willfully, negligently, or in circumstances involving strict liability. Does not include instance involving breach of contract, for which a civil suit may be brought.

15. Negligence: Is "the failure to use ordinary care" through either an act or omission. It occurs when: A person does not exercise the amount of care that a reasonably careful person would use under the circumstances; or A person does something that a reasonably careful person would not do under the circumstances

16.

17. If an employee acting within the scope of employment causes injury or death through negligent conduct, the victim or the family of the victim has the right to sue the employer directly for damages. If an employee operates a vehicle negligently as a result of using a cell phone and injures or kills another motorist or pedestrian, that victim or family directly may sue the employer.

18. Substantial liability to the employer in three ways: It is difficult to convince a jury that an employee on a phone at the time of the crash was not negligent Scope of employment is generally defined very broadly Even if an employer is not subject to vicarious liability, it can also be sued for failing to take adequate steps to prevent distracted driving

19. In 2009, a college student killed when his car was struck by an off-duty police officer. At the time of the crash, the officer was speeding, and cell phone records showed that he had either sent or received a text message in the moments prior to the collision. The county was held liable because the officer was driving his police cruiser at the time of the crash. $4 million verdict. In 2009, a college student killed when his car was struck by an off-duty police officer. At the time of the crash, the officer was speeding, and cell phone records showed that he had either sent or received a text message in the moments prior to the collision. The county was held liable because the officer was driving his police cruiser at the time of the crash. $4 million verdict.

20. Woman seriously injured after crash with lumber company employee Cell records show use at the time of the crash $21 million verdict In 2001, an elderly woman was seriously injured after being struck by a truck driven by an employee of a lumber company. Although the employee initially denied being distracted at the time of the crash, his cell phone records proved that he had been using his cell phone at the time of crash. Because the employee was in a company truck and on-duty at the time of the crash, the employer was held to be liable. $21 million verdict.In 2001, an elderly woman was seriously injured after being struck by a truck driven by an employee of a lumber company. Although the employee initially denied being distracted at the time of the crash, his cell phone records proved that he had been using his cell phone at the time of crash. Because the employee was in a company truck and on-duty at the time of the crash, the employer was held to be liable. $21 million verdict.

21. Attorney using cell to conduct company business Hit and killed a teen at 10:30 p.m. Records show a work-related call Firm settled with victim�s family This is a case of the employee not using a work phone or a company car and the company still being held responsible. This brings up the question of scope of employment. Virginia attorney hit and killed a teenage girl at 10:30 p.m., while using her cell phone to conduct firm business. Phone records from the attorney's firm showed that she was making work-related calls at the time of the accident- Fearing an enormous jury verdict, the law firm ultimately settled with the victim's family. This is a case of the employee not using a work phone or a company car and the company still being held responsible. This brings up the question of scope of employment. Virginia attorney hit and killed a teenage girl at 10:30 p.m., while using her cell phone to conduct firm business. Phone records from the attorney's firm showed that she was making work-related calls at the time of the accident- Fearing an enormous jury verdict, the law firm ultimately settled with the victim's family.

22. Does your company have a policy regarding cell phone use in vehicles? Yes, no talking or texting at any time Yes, no texting Yes, only hands-free communication allowed No � � � � � � � �

23. Implement and enforce internal cell phone use policy for all employees, including temporary employees, paid or unpaid interns and contract employees Be sure to be comprehensive, include all employees and scenarios. Keep in mind the scope of employment. Be sure to be comprehensive, include all employees and scenarios. Keep in mind the scope of employment.

24. Employees should: Keep eyes, minds and hands focused on driving Update voicemail to include an �I�m driving� message Allow plenty of travel time Preset radio, GPS and other electronics before driving Avoid emotional or stressful conversations Your policy should start with a few basic guidelines for all drivers including: Keep eyes, minds and hands focused on driving Update voicemail to include an �I�m driving� message Allow plenty of travel time Preset radio, GPS and other electronics before driving Avoid emotional or stressful conversations Your policy should start with a few basic guidelines for all drivers including: Keep eyes, minds and hands focused on driving Update voicemail to include an �I�m driving� message Allow plenty of travel time Preset radio, GPS and other electronics before driving Avoid emotional or stressful conversations

25. Enforce Michigan law Enforce Federal laws Improve safety Limit liability Lower expectations of accessibility Show a proactive approach A good policy should do a few things. It should: Enforce Michigan laws- no texting or e-mail while driving Enforce federal laws. Bus, train, large commercial vehicle and HazMat drivers are banned from texting and driving Improve safety Limit liability Lower expectation of accessibility Show a proactive approach to safety which may result in lower insurance premiumsA good policy should do a few things. It should: Enforce Michigan laws- no texting or e-mail while driving Enforce federal laws. Bus, train, large commercial vehicle and HazMat drivers are banned from texting and driving Improve safety Limit liability Lower expectation of accessibility Show a proactive approach to safety which may result in lower insurance premiums

26. Three types of policies: Restrictive Balanced Permissive

27. Bans calls, texts, e-mails Requires drivers to pull over to make even emergency calls Supported by the National Safety Council A restrictive policy seeks to completely eliminate the individual�s use of a cell phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle. While driving, calls cannot be answered and must be directed to voicemail. If an employee must make an emergency call (911), the vehicle should be parked in a safe location before making the call. The National Safety Council endorses this type of policy and recommends employers put into place these restrictions. A restrictive policy seeks to completely eliminate the individual�s use of a cell phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle. While driving, calls cannot be answered and must be directed to voicemail. If an employee must make an emergency call (911), the vehicle should be parked in a safe location before making the call. The National Safety Council endorses this type of policy and recommends employers put into place these restrictions.

28. Acknowledges that employees may not always be able to stop driving Bans texting, e-mailing and web browsing Allows the use of hands-free phone for priority contacts and emergencies A balanced policy acknowledges that employees may not always be able to stop driving when important calls are received. Such policies almost always prohibit the use of phones for texting, emailing and web browsing. However, employers permit employees to make hands-free phone calls and receive hands-free phone calls from priority contacts.A balanced policy acknowledges that employees may not always be able to stop driving when important calls are received. Such policies almost always prohibit the use of phones for texting, emailing and web browsing. However, employers permit employees to make hands-free phone calls and receive hands-free phone calls from priority contacts.

29. Permits calls, texts and e-mails with hands-free or in-vehicle devices Such policies even permit employees to receive and respond to text and email messages while driving, provided that they do so in a hands-free manner. Also includes using voice activated in-vehicle technology. Such policies even permit employees to receive and respond to text and email messages while driving, provided that they do so in a hands-free manner. Also includes using voice activated in-vehicle technology.

30. A variety of technologies are available tolimit or monitor texting Downloadable apps Software Key-fob technology Variety of tools are available to limit or prohibit texting and/or phone calls while driving. These range in price and are available for a variety of cell and smartphone platforms. Most of these technologies use a phone's GPS to determine when a vehicle is moving and block the ability to text when the car is going faster than 5 or 10 mph. Some apps have opt-out features for passengers, some are integrated with a special key or loaded directly to the phone. Some of these products allow you, the employer, to monitor use. Variety of tools are available to limit or prohibit texting and/or phone calls while driving. These range in price and are available for a variety of cell and smartphone platforms. Most of these technologies use a phone's GPS to determine when a vehicle is moving and block the ability to text when the car is going faster than 5 or 10 mph. Some apps have opt-out features for passengers, some are integrated with a special key or loaded directly to the phone. Some of these products allow you, the employer, to monitor use.

31. Research Know the laws Identify best and worse case scenarios Craft a comprehensive policy So, you�re ready to write a policy. There are a few steps to follow to identify the best route for your company. Research: Review your company�s crash history Identify the types of technologies used and who owns the devices Identify how the company communicates other �acceptable use� policies Identify legal statutes and restrictions- know the laws that apply to you and your company, this may include other state�s laws Build a business case and create a model to identify best and worse case scenarios Craft a comprehensive policy that fits your companySo, you�re ready to write a policy. There are a few steps to follow to identify the best route for your company. Research: Review your company�s crash history Identify the types of technologies used and who owns the devices Identify how the company communicates other �acceptable use� policies Identify legal statutes and restrictions- know the laws that apply to you and your company, this may include other state�s laws Build a business case and create a model to identify best and worse case scenarios Craft a comprehensive policy that fits your company

32. So now you have a policy, the next step is to incorporate that into your workplace culture. To put the policy in motion, employers should: Require employees to read and sign policies Remind employees of policies. Place reminders in company vehicles, directly on phones and common areas of the workplace Enforce written policies with appropriate punishments- a policy isn't worth having if it is not enforced Keep employees in the loop. Share stories of positive feedback, cost savings and press coverage. Survey staff to determine their feelings about the policy and productivity. Show personal leadership from management through compliance and appropriate expectations Remember, if your company has a policy, do not expect employees to answer phones, texts or e-mails while they are driving. Managers can set an example by noting travel times for staff and avoiding calls and messages while their employees are driving. Also, companies should allow for extra time for replies and messages. So now you have a policy, the next step is to incorporate that into your workplace culture. To put the policy in motion, employers should: Require employees to read and sign policies Remind employees of policies. Place reminders in company vehicles, directly on phones and common areas of the workplace Enforce written policies with appropriate punishments- a policy isn't worth having if it is not enforced Keep employees in the loop. Share stories of positive feedback, cost savings and press coverage. Survey staff to determine their feelings about the policy and productivity. Show personal leadership from management through compliance and appropriate expectations Remember, if your company has a policy, do not expect employees to answer phones, texts or e-mails while they are driving. Managers can set an example by noting travel times for staff and avoiding calls and messages while their employees are driving. Also, companies should allow for extra time for replies and messages.

33. The big elephant in the room is productivity. As we mentioned earlier, employees have long seen time in the car as �down time,� time to catch up on calls, return messages, even take part in conference calls, but the dangers are simply not worth the risk. The big elephant in the room is productivity. As we mentioned earlier, employees have long seen time in the car as �down time,� time to catch up on calls, return messages, even take part in conference calls, but the dangers are simply not worth the risk.

34. Why are cell phones and texting important to your employees? Greater productivity The car is the office Allows flexibility Chances are for some of you, all of these answers are true. Again, with this change in policy may come a shift in how work is done.Chances are for some of you, all of these answers are true. Again, with this change in policy may come a shift in how work is done.

35. 63 percent of fleet companies have a technology policy Of those, nearly 97 percent ban texting/e-mail while driving 70 percent of companies with a policy reported an increase or no change in productivity 20 percent of those also saw a drop in crashes You are not alone in implementing a policy, in fact: Sixty-three percent of fleet companies have a technology policy Of those, almost 97 percent ban texting and e-mail while driving A National Safety Council study of more than 2,000 companies found that more than 70 percent of companies with a cell phone use policy reported an increase or no change in productivity Twenty percent of those also saw a drop in crashes National Fleet Management Association survey, National Safety Council survey of 2,000 members, Sept. 2009 You are not alone in implementing a policy, in fact: Sixty-three percent of fleet companies have a technology policy Of those, almost 97 percent ban texting and e-mail while driving A National Safety Council study of more than 2,000 companies found that more than 70 percent of companies with a cell phone use policy reported an increase or no change in productivity Twenty percent of those also saw a drop in crashes National Fleet Management Association survey, National Safety Council survey of 2,000 members, Sept. 2009

36. 95 percent of employees reported that they didn�t experience a decrease in productivity as a result of the ban 83 percent said they also reduced or quit using phones while driving outside of work In 2006, AMEC, a Canadian engineering company implemented a cell phone ban policy and polled employees before and after it was enacted.In 2006, AMEC, a Canadian engineering company implemented a cell phone ban policy and polled employees before and after it was enacted.

37. Employers must institute strict policies that include discharging those employees who fail to follow the policies that are in place If the employer fails to put such a policy in place, the employer runs the risk of having the repercussions follow them for many years to come

38. Click �safety on the road� and distracted driving for an employer toolkit. NSC site offers posters, sample policies, full toolkit of materials. The OHSP site will offer information about upcoming webinars, materials and sample policies. DSWW offers themed topics for e-mailing to employees, other toolkit materials are available. Click �safety on the road� and distracted driving for an employer toolkit. NSC site offers posters, sample policies, full toolkit of materials. The OHSP site will offer information about upcoming webinars, materials and sample policies. DSWW offers themed topics for e-mailing to employees, other toolkit materials are available.