Employers May be Contributing to Distracted Driving Crisis

Some 42% of people say they take work-related calls, texts, or emails while behind the wheel, according to the 2022 Travelers Risk Index. The results of the annual national online survey suggest that employers and work-related pressure might lead to distracted driving. 

When asked why they take work-related calls when driving, 43% of those respondents state that it might be a work-related emergency, 39% feel they always need to be available, and 19% say their boss will be upset if they don’t answer.

The Travelers Risk Index is compiled based on two separate surveys. One is a national survey of 1,000 consumers. The other is a survey of 1,000 executives from businesses of all sizes. 

Some 86% of business managers say they expect employees to respond to work-related communications at least sometimes while outside the office during work hours. Noteworthy, one-third of managers expect employees to answer or participate in work calls while driving.

Another interesting finding is that drivers appear to be kidding themselves or in denial. Despite one-third of respondents stating that their own driving has improved over the past couple years, most admitted to making phone calls and reading text messages while behind the wheel.

Distracted driving is causing a crisis on the nation’s highways and byways. The risky behavior was responsible for 3,142 lost lives in 2020 alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Cell phone use remains one of the greatest distractions for motorists. More than 220 million people in the United States subscribe to wireless services, and it is estimated that as many as 80% of those subscribers use their phones while driving, reports the National Conference of State Legislatures.