Risky Roadways Raising Employer Concerns

Roads are becoming riskier across the country, with distracted driving incidents concerning employers the most. 

Travelers recently released its 2024 Travelers Risk Index on distracted driving, highlighting an increase in dangerous behaviors. 

The index reveals that a multitude of distracted driving behaviors have been on the rise since before the pandemic. 

Drivers are updating and checking social media more frequently while driving (+13%), typing texts and emails (+10%), and talking hands-free on their cell phones (+10%), among other dangerous behaviors. 

Fatalities 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 42,915 roadway deaths in 2021. 

Officials said that was the highest number of roadway fatalities since 2005, and follows years of steady declines. 

“Distraction is one of the leading causes of roadway fatalities, and it continues to have a devastating impact.”

Travelers’ Michael Klein

Since 2021, there has been a 40%  increase in reported near misses. 

“Distraction is one of the leading causes of roadway fatalities, and it continues to have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities,” Travelers executive vice president and president of personal insurance Michael Klein said. 

“Creating safer roadways requires action from each of us, and while the survey results show that people are concerned about distracted driving, they are still unfortunately taking dangerous risks.”

Employer Concerns

Of the business executives Travelers researchers surveyed this year, 45% said they are highly concerned about distracted driving. 

Prior to the pandemic, only 26% of employers said distracted driving was a high concern. 

Employers reported one in four of their employees have had a crash or collision while driving for work because they were distracted. 

Specifically, executives said they are concerned about employees using cell phones while driving (85%). 

Employers also reported one in four of their employees have had a crash or collision while driving for work because they were distracted. 

“Distracted driving is a preventable crisis,” Travelers assistant vice president of workers compensation and transportation risk control Chris Hayes said.

Prevention 

Hayes said passengers can speak up if a driver is not paying attention, and employers should avoid calling employees when they know they are driving. 

Many business leaders (68%) said they have instituted distracted driving policies. 

Employers are also issuing formal communications about cell phone restrictions while driving for work (84%), requiring employees to sign and acknowledge distracted driving policies (66%), and disciplining employees who do not comply with company policies (77%). 

Travelers Risk Index researchers indicate that financial rewards for safer driving could also motivate drivers to remain focused.