Safety Culture: Reducing Distracted Driving  

Landscape crews face risks daily. Your crews leave company headquarters every day, driving to different job sites, often towing a trailer, which can be risky. And while towing a trailer has risks, driving while distracted can increase the chance of accidents.

When drivers are distracted, they're more likely to be involved in an accident. One of the biggest distractions is texting while driving. Here's why: reading or sending a text takes your eyes off the road for at least 5 seconds. Doesn't sound like much? Think of it like this: at 55MPH, when you bring your eyes off the road for 5 seconds, it's as if driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes closed. That's scary stuff.

Companies with Strong Safety Cultures Usually Have Lower Incidence and Accident Rates

A recent survey commissioned by The Travelers Cos. found that 43 percent of workers answer work texts, calls, and emails while driving. Many do this because they feel it may be a work-related emergency. But it doesn't have to be this way. After all, companies with strong safety cultures usually have lower incidence and accident rates. 

Distracted Driving is More Than Texting

Landscape crews must always pay attention, whether towing a trailer or returning to the yard after their shift. Texting and calling while driving are certainly distractions. Still, other distractions on the road can increase the chance of an accident.

Other distractions that can affect your drivers:

• Adjusting GPS settings
• Adjusting the heating and cooling system in the vehicle
• Adjusting the music volume
• Eating while driving
• Road construction
• Digital billboards

How to Reduce Distracted Driving

Sometimes, accidents occur, and they're not the fault of any driver. For example, commercial trucks often have tire blowouts, which can cause accidents. That's why drivers must keep their eyes on the road. Safety is always a top priority, so having a policy with clear expectations will ensure that your crew is aware of the consequences of not abiding by the policy.

Managers need to hold teams accountable when they abuse the policy. That means disciplinary action.

Bad behavior should not be tolerated. However, just as bad behavior shouldn't be tolerated, management should recognize good behavior. After all, all employees like to be recognized when they're doing the right thing.

Try these safety habits:

• Tell your crews to set their phone on Do Not Disturb when driving.
• Ensure your crew understands that safety should always come before answering messages or calls.
• Encourage your drivers to find a safe area to get off the road before answering or making calls.
• Encourage drivers to wait until they reach their destination before using their mobile devices.

Safety Culture is Always a Priority at Westturf!

There's no denying that companies with strong safety cultures usually have lower incidence and accident rates. At Westturf, we are committed to a safety culture; it is a part of our core values and behaviors. We practice safe driving all year, but we wanted to chat and remind our readers that Distracted Driving Awareness Month is coming up in April.

Our goal is to serve your community's needs. From sustainable landscaping to irrigation repairs and weed and pest management, we're here to help. Call us at 760-650-3120 or get a quote today.