The April 2012 issue of Professional Safety highlighted National Distracted Driving Awareness Month with information on some things that the various U.S. DOT agencies are doing to reduce the incidence of this growing hazard. The issue also included information on the guidance documents for employers and individuals from the ASSE Transportation Practice Specialty.
In a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, Phil Rosenthal takes a look back at the course of distracted driving, where it’s come from and where it’s headed. It offers an interesting retrospective on how technology, regulations and consumerism have developed over the years.
The April 2012 issue of Society Update asked readers, “Does your company use technology (software, hardware, service, etc.) that prevents the use of cell phones while driving on the job?” Nearly 68% of respondents answered “No, we do not use this technology and have no plans to do so.”
Now that the month of April has come to a close, take a look back at this year’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and let us know your thoughts. From your seat as an EHS professional, do you think the public is more aware of the problem? Does more need to be done?
Guidelines and regulations are still developing. How far should government go in restricting drivers? How much of the onus should be on auto or cell phone manufacturers, and how much on the individual?
What about other forms of distraction? As Rosenthal says, “phones are just the most obvious form of distraction.” Is too much emphasis being placed on cell phones, and not enough on other forms of distraction?
To read Rosenthal’s complete article, click here. Share your thoughts on the EHS Works blog in the comments field below.
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