If you are a business owner, it’s essential that you have in place a zero tolerance policy for distracted driving for yourself and your employees.
The OPP cite distracted driving as a causal factor in 30 to 50 percent of all traffic collisions in Ontario.
So many businesses rely on fast-paced communication for success. Texts, emails, and calls on mobile devices keep employees on track and efficient, but it’s important that your employees are communicating safely. In the United States, several lawsuits have found companies to be liable when their employees have had an accident due to distracted driving while on the job.
Create a distraction-free driving policy
- Evaluate the communication methods in your business.
- Create a policy for distracted driving that is consistent with Ontario law and have your business lawyer review it. Here you can find a sample policy as an example.
- Communicate the policy and require employees to sign the document.
- Follow and enforce the policy remembering that employers must lead by example.
- Evaluate the policy to be absolutely certain employees are adhering to the policy.
It’s important that your company policy on distracted driving is consistent with the law for the safety of your employees, the public and your business.
If you or if someone you know works for a business that does not have a distracted driving policy, please share this article with them and drive safely Windsor - Essex!