Brake, the road safety charity, is encouraging organisations to address driver distraction and is sharing how fleets can tackle this risk at its latest free webinar, sponsored by Teletrac Navman.
Driving is a complex and risky task requiring a driver’s full attention. Drivers can encounter a range of distractions during a journey which can have devastating consequences. Drivers who talk on phones, both hands-free and hand-held, are four times more likely to be in a crash resulting in injuries [1], and researchers have found a correlation between phone use and culpability in crashes [2].
Eliminating driver distractions is the next in a series of webinars run through Brake’s Global Fleet Champions scheme, which shares best practice information and resources for addressing road risk. Attendance at the webinar is free, and it is open to health & safety staff, fleet managers, senior management, and anyone else with responsibility for at-work drivers at their organisation.
Eliminating driver distractions
Wednesday 3 August, 2pm – 3pm NZST
Vehicles can travel a long distance in just a few seconds, and even a moment’s distraction can lead to a potentially fatal crash. Distractions impede a driver’s ability to spot and react to hazards. Fleet operators have a responsibility to make sure their drivers don’t divide their attention, by having effective measures in place to minimise risk.
Speakers at the webinar including Dr Oscar Oveido-Trespalacios from CARRS-Q, and Chris L’Ecluse from Teletrac Navman, will discuss:
- how distraction increases the risk of a crash
- the psychological impact of distraction and how it affects a driver’s brain
- the different forms of distraction your drivers may be exposed to, and measures you can implement to reduce risk.
To register, book online, or email [email protected]. Find out more about the event at: globalfleetchampions.org/events/eliminating-driver-distractions-nz-timezone/.
Caroline Perry, Brake’s NZ director, said: “In today’s busy and connected world, distractions are everywhere. Distraction while driving is a critical risk for businesses, so it’s important that they have policies and procedures in place to reduce the risk. This webinar will present some key information about why distracted driving is an issue, how distractions affect driver behaviour, and measures fleets can implement to mitigate risks.”
Chris L’Ecluse, Solutions Specialist, Teletrac Navman said: “Driver distraction results in the loss of situational awareness. With that lack of awareness, you end up becoming a significant danger to yourself and other road users. Since it takes just a split-second for something to go horribly wrong on the road, it’s especially vital that fleet operators take a pro-active approach to addressing driver distraction. This means providing your own drivers with proper training and education, helping them understand where the failings are and work to fix such problems, making them more aware of road safety and prepared for their long hours every day on the roads. Driving is a discipline. Focused and skilled drivers not only get to their destinations safely, but they also contribute to lowering risk, collision rates, unplanned downtime, and safeguarding your business reputation.”
Organisations can also access more events, webinar recordings and fleet safety resources by joining Global Fleet Champions, Brake’s not-for-profit membership service, sharing good practice in addressing road risk. Free to join, members receive access to resources such as guidance reports and tools for using with drivers, access to Brake’s webinars, information about other Brake events, and the latest road safety research. Find out more and join at www.globalfleetchampions.org.
Media enquiries please contact Caroline Perry on 021 407 953.
[1] McEvoy, P. et al (2005), Role of mobile phones in motor vehicle crashes resulting in hospital attendance: a case-crossover study, University of Western Australia
[2] Asbridge M, Brubacher JR, Chan H., Cell phone use and traffic crash risk: a culpability analysis, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada