Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
Executive Director
Resource Type: Risk eNews
Topic: Facility, Program and Transportation Safety, HR Risk and Employment Practices
January 26, 2016
Since we began offering free RISK HELP to our Affiliate Members in 2012, we have answered a wide array of risk questions–some highly unusual. Last week we received this quirky question from two incredibly different member organizations: should we adopt a complete ban on the use of personal electronic devices (PEDs) while driving?
This National Safety Council infographic explains the danger of PED use while driving: Hands-Free is Not Risk-Free. PEDs include both handheld and hands-free devices, which are both incredibly dangerous and lead to about 26% of all car crashes.
After doing a bit of research for our Affiliates, I quickly concluded that a total ban on PED use while driving is the only sensible course of action for organizations that care about their staff members. After discussing it with my colleagues at the Center, we decided to adopt a total ban ourselves.
We also challenge our Affiliate Members and RISK eNews readers to adopt a total ban on PED use while driving. If you value your staff members and volunteers–the lifeblood of your mission-then join our campaign today and ban PED use while driving at your organization.
When asking our staff members and volunteers to drive on behalf of our organizations, we should do what we can to protect their safety. Providing safe vehicles, driver training and accident reporting policies are just a start. PED use while driving is a known safety risk for our team members. Did you know, that:
In May 2015, the National Safety Council published a report titled, Employer Liability and the Case for Comprehensive Cell Phone Policies, which advises: “The best action for employers is to implement a total ban policy that includes handheld and hands-free devices and prohibits all employees from using cell phones while driving.” The report reminds employers that if we expect staff members to use cell phones while driving, we are putting valued team members in harm’s way. This risk is unnecessary and at the Center, we believe it is unacceptable.
The Center recommends that you adopt a total ban on the use of PEDs by any employee or volunteer while driving on your nonprofit’s behalf. A comprehensive ban covers:
Over the years, a growing number of states have adopted limited PED bans. While no state completely bans PED use while driving, 14 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving (Source: United States Conference of State Legislatures).
Implementing a “total ban” on the use of PEDs while driving won’t necessarily be easy. But the good news is that you don’t need to go it alone. The National Safety Council developed a handy toolkit containing policy and communications tools to help you get underway. The kit includes tools for educating employees about the risks of hands-free and handheld phone use while driving, and tips for gaining staff buy-in.
The following draft policy is inspired by the format developed and recommended by National Safety Council.
[Name of Nonprofit] deeply values the safety and well-being of all employees and volunteers. Due to the increasing number of crashes resulting from the use of cell phones while driving, [Name of Nonprofit] employees and volunteers may not use cellular telephones or mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle under any of the following situations, regardless of whether a hands-free device is used:
Employees and volunteers will be given two warnings. The third time an employee or volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, it is grounds for immediate dismissal.
Your signature below certifies your agreement to comply with this policy. | |
Employee/Volunteer Signature | Date |
Each day the Center receives calls and emails from our members seeking advice about how to reduce risk in their environments. We invite you to reduce safety risks by joining us and adopting a total ban on PED use while driving. JOIN NOW! And forward this to other nonprofit leaders!
Melanie Lockwood Herman is Executive Director at the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. Melanie welcomes your feedback this article and questions about PED use at Melanie@nonprofitrisk.org or 703.777.3504.
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