In 2010, near Munfordville, Kentucky, a truck-tractor in combination with a 53-foot-long trailer, left its lane, crossed the median and collided with a 15-passenger van. The truck driver failed to maintain control of his vehicle because he was distracted by use of his cell-phone. The collision resulted in 11 fatalities. 1
A Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study of commercial drivers found that a safety-critical event is 163 times more likely if a driver is texting, e-mailing, or accessing the Internet. 1

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced in November 2011 a final rule specifically prohibiting interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicles. The rule is the latest action by the U.S. Department of Transportation to end distracted driving. 2

Taking the suggested rule on hand-held cell phones a step further, , the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on December 13, 2011, recommended all 50 states and the District of Columbia pass laws to “ban the nonemergency use of portable electronic devices (other than those designed to support the driving task) for all drivers.” 1

DriverCheck, Inc., has been on the leading edge of the distracted driving issue through its full-circle 24/7 “How’s My Driving” driver monitor program. Currently available in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, DriverCheck provides an instant report of traffic violations and driver behavior, such as cell phone use while driving or other distracted driving for all fleet drivers participating in the program.

“When drivers of large trucks, buses and hazardous materials take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, the outcome can be deadly,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “I hope that this rule will save lives by helping commercial drivers stay laser-focused on safety at all times while behind the wheel.” 2

“According to the National Highway Transportation Administration, more than 3,000 people lost their lives last year in distraction-related accidents”, said Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. “It is time for all of us to stand up for safety by turning off electronic devices when driving. No call, no text, no update is worth a human life.” 1

DriverCheck’s driver safety monitoring program is a proactive risk management tool enabling the carrier to quickly identify drivers whose behavior needs to be corrected. DriverCheck subscribers have access to several driver safety training modules, including Distracted Driving, which are produced in partnership with the National Safety Council and are available online through the website www.drivercheck.net.

If you are not a DriverCheck client, and if you would like further information on how the driver safety monitoring program can help your drivers avoid distracted driving and reduce your collisions and collision-related costs, contact:

Rich Flaherty
VP of Sales and Marketing
770-916-6769
rflaherty@drivercheck.net