Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

LeasePlan USA Implements Distracted Driving Policy for Employees

ALPHARETTA, GA – LeasePlan USA employees are not allowed to use phones or smart devices while operating LeasePlan vehicles according to a new company policy.

by Staff
December 13, 2012
3 min to read


ALPHARETTA, GA – LeasePlan USA, the high-touch service provider of vehicle leasing and fleet management solutions, has implemented a new company wide distracted driving policy. Employees are not allowed to use phones or smart devices while operating LeasePlan vehicles - period.

In addition to launching this policy, LeasePlan is encouraging all employees to sign a safe driving pledge and inviting family members to commit to safer driving practices.

Ad Loading...

LeasePlan launched this new policy during national Drive Safely Work Week. Drive Safely Work Week is the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety's (NETS) annual workplace safety campaign, providing a turnkey way to remind employees about safe driving practices.

According to the World Health Organization, “using a mobile phone while driving, you are approximately four times more likely to be involved in a crash than a driver who is not using a phone.” Moreover, sending or receiving a text takes a driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent at 55 mph of driving the length of an entire football field, blind. Statistics also suggest that talking on a cell phone while using a hands-free device is not noticeably safer than using a hand-held cell phone.

Those kinds of statistics motivated LeasePlan to develop an all-inclusive ban on cellular phones and smart devices while driving. “We weren’t willing to wait for one of our employees to become a statistic before we took a firm stance,” states Mike Pitcher, president & CEO of LeasePlan USA.

In addition to focusing on the safety of employees, LeasePlan also supports our clients and the community in efforts to increase driver safety. Last year, LeasePlan donated a vehicle to FEAR THIS, Inc., an organization that offers an advanced driver training course that teaches teen accident avoidance skills. Additionally, LeasePlan offers courses with FEAR THIS to LeasePlan employees and their teenage children at no cost.

Throughout 2012, Dan Shive, vice president, risk management services for LeasePlan, has been presenting the “Science of Distractions” at industry functions. This presentation includes misperceptions about distracted driving, information on employer liability and updates on current legislation. To assist clients in reducing risk and increasing safety, LeasePlan offers a comprehensive safety program called SafePlan, which includes assistance with developing a comprehensive driving policy.

Ad Loading...

LeasePlan is the world’s leading provider of fleet and vehicle management solutions with 1.3 million vehicles managed worldwide. Operating out of 30 countries around the globe, the company has a passion for exceptional customer service. LeasePlan prides itself on delivering high-touch service and innovative products that offer total cost reduction for corporate and government fleets. With nearly 50 years of fleet experience, LeasePlan’s experts find ways to get the most out of clients’ vehicles, budget and time. Find out why LeasePlan clients agree that, “it’s easier to leaseplan.”

Visit www.us.leaseplan.com for more information.

More Safety

Chris Brown sits across from safety experft at Lifesaver mobile in an interview about distracted driving and phone use tech.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 1, 2026

Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel

Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.

Read More →
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 15, 2026

Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 2

As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.

Read More →
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 11, 2026

 Data Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities After a Crash

What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Driver holding a phone while steering, illustrating distracted driving and the importance of mental awareness and attention on the road for fleet safety.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyApril 10, 2026

From Distraction to Detection: Strengthening Awareness in Fleet Drivers

Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.

Read More →
Safetyby StaffApril 8, 2026

Lytx 2026 Road Safety Report

While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.

Read More →
Driver’s hands on steering wheel in a sunlit vehicle, representing real-world driver behavior and the shift from data monitoring to hands-on training in fleet safety programs.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyApril 7, 2026

Behind-the-Wheel vs. Classroom Training: What Actually Changes Driver Behavior?

Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A person in a car on their phone behind the steering wheel.
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 1, 2026

Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 1

A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.

Read More →
Pedestrians crossing a busy street, highlighting the importance of driver awareness and caution to prevent pedestrian accidents.
Safetyby StaffMarch 30, 2026

Pedestrian Safety Starts With the Driver

More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 30, 2026

Safety by Design: Power and Protection in the Freightliner 114SD Plus

Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Safetyby StaffMarch 26, 2026

Pedestrian Deaths Drop in First Half of 2025, Marking Largest Decline in Years

An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.

Read More →