Distracted Driving Accidents In Construction: Rising Concern

Accidents in the construction industry are one prominent concern that keeps the bar high. These fatal incidents are still under consideration despite all the on-site safety measures and implementations. One big issue that is getting attention in the accidents in the construction industry is distracted driving. Either an operator is moving the equipment with no focus or something comes in between to divert their attention, both cases lead to accidents.

A recent report by Travelers Insurance highlighted the worrisome rise in accidents caused by distractions among construction workers, underlining the growing issue that the industry is facing from distracted driving. The facts and figures presented in the report might be one step ahead to preventing this rising concern. However, this report will also help the authorities to reshape the driving safety measures, especially for construction drivers.

Key findings of the report

A Travelers Insurance study revealed that distractions while driving for work caused accidents for 24% of construction companies. This is a significant rise over the 20% recorded the year before, suggesting a worrying trend in the industry’s road safety.

Employers’ increased concern about the risks associated with distracted driving is seen in the 66% of surveyed organizations that expressed concerns about liability. Even though 68% of them had formal policies restricting cellphone usage while driving.

What factors may contribute to distracted driving?

Distracted driving is one of the main causes of traffic deaths because of these actions, which not only put drivers’ lives in danger but also seriously jeopardize the safety of pedestrians and other road users.

When the rising number of accidents by distracted driving is getting attention, the uncovered reasons behind this are also being discussed. These accidents were also seen during the operation of a used road roller or excavator on the site.

Many factors have been settled to be the corner reasons for these incidents that must be avoided to make the construction industry safer for the workers and others. The research found a number of actions that have increased since the start of the Covid-19 epidemic, including

• Frequent social media checking and updating raised by 13%. 
• Texting or emailing was recorded by 10% more people did so. 
• Hands-free telephone conversations have increased by 10%. 
• Use of cell phones for photography and videography has increased by 9%.

How does it impact the safety?

According to the study, there has been a worrying change in respondents’ perceptions of road safety, with almost half of them thinking that conditions have gotten worse over the past year. More people than ever before view inattentive driving as a serious issue, which emphasizes the urgent need for efficient distracted driving intervention programs.

Action plan to reduce accidents

Concerns regarding employees using mobile devices while driving were voiced by 85% of executives in all industries, indicating a general understanding of the hazards involved. Many businesses have put in place rules against driving while distracted. However, formal notification of the limitations, employee acknowledgement of the policies, disciplinary punishment for noncompliance, and the ban on using handheld devices while driving are typical methods of enforcement.

Chris Hayes, assistant vice president of workers’ compensation and transportation risk management at Travelers, stressed that distracted driving collisions are mostly avoidable. In order to promote a safer workplace and driving environment, he urged passengers to raise their concerns if they see a driver who is distracted and urged employers to refrain from contacting staff members while they are operating a motor vehicle.

Wrap Up

The increase in incidents involving distracted driving in the construction sector highlights the significance of giving road safety protocols a priority. Employers are essential in reducing hazards because they create and enforce regulations against distracted driving, raise employee knowledge, and cultivate a culture of safety. In order to protect both the public and employees on our roads, the underlying causes of distracted driving practices must be addressed.

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