Staying focused, alert, and aware isn’t just a responsibility for equipment dealers — it’s a life-saving choice that each driver must make when they get behind the wheel. When your employee drivers are distracted, it’s not just a personal risk; it is also a serious business concern.
The Dangers of Distractions
When your drivers don’t focus entirely on the task at hand, it can leave them open to dangerous crashes. It also can lead to near misses, such as sudden braking or swerving. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, distractions account for 29% of all traffic-related deaths.¹ Near misses can quickly become bad habits that should be avoided while driving, such as²:
• Texting or phone use
• Adjusting the GPS or radio settings
• Eating or drinking
• Taking phone calls
• Adjusting the GPS or radio settings
• Eating or drinking
• Taking phone calls
Promote Safer Choices Among Employees
As a business leader, it’s up to you to work with your employees and provide training to help them make safe choices. Encourage them to plan ahead by:
• Silencing phone notifications
• Planning GPS routes and checking traffic conditions before driving
• Communicating trip plans, including departure and expected arrival times
• Taking scheduled breaks to handle calls, eat, or rest
• Pulling over if something urgent comes up instead of trying to multitask
• Planning GPS routes and checking traffic conditions before driving
• Communicating trip plans, including departure and expected arrival times
• Taking scheduled breaks to handle calls, eat, or rest
• Pulling over if something urgent comes up instead of trying to multitask
Lead the Way in Driver Safety
Near misses should serve as reminders to avoid distractions — and potentially deadly crashes. Help your drivers break the cycle of risky habits so they can fully focus on the road. Reach out to your local Federated Insurance® marketing representative today for more information.
1. U.S. Department of Transportation. “2024 Progress Report on the National Roadway Safety Strategy.” Accessed 2/21/25 https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2024-02/2024%20NRSS%20Progress%20Report.pdf.
2. National Safety Council. Understanding Distracted Driving and Inattention Blindness. Accessed 2/21/25. https://www.nsc.org/getmedia/b4a03bd9-6eb8-4d31-bef1-4c10ca361ac3/st-distracted-driving-inattention-blindness.pdf.
Written by Equipment Dealer Specialist Jerry Leemkuil, Federated Mutual Insurance Company
