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.

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.

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.