Don’t Text and Drive While Operating a Company Vehicle

As an employee who operates a company vehicle, it’s important to remember that your safety and the safety of others on the road are paramount. One dangerous activity that should never be done while driving is texting. The consequences of texting and driving can be severe, both for you personally and your business.  

Why You Shouldn’t Text and Drive 
Texting while driving is a dangerous activity that can have severe consequences. When a driver is distracted by their phone, they are not fully paying attention to the road, which can lead to accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, texting while driving is up to six times more dangerous than driving under the influence. Texting and driving can cause injuries, property damage and even deaths. 

There are many reasons why you shouldn’t text and drive, such as the following: 

• It’s often against the law. Texting while driving is illegal in many states, and if you’re caught texting while driving a company vehicle, you could face hefty fines, legal fees and even lose your license.
• It’s a safety hazard. Texting takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off driving. Even a split second of distraction can result in a serious accident.
• It endangers others. When you text and drive, you put yourself at risk and everyone else on the road. Your actions could cause harm to innocent people, and that’s not a risk worth taking.
• It’s costly. Accidents caused by texting and driving can be expensive. You could be held liable for damage to the other vehicle, as well as medical bills and lost wages for anyone who was injured in the accident.
• It could raise premiums. Insurance companies consider distracted driving to be a risky behavior that increases the likelihood of accidents and claims. If you are found to be at fault in an accident while texting and driving, your insurance company may view you as a high-risk driver and increase your rates, or the rates of your business’s coverage, accordingly. 
• It’s unnecessary. There’s simply no reason to text and drive. If you need to communicate with someone while on the road, pull over to a safe location and take care of it. It’s a minor inconvenience that could save lives.
• It could damage your company’s reputation. If you’re involved in an accident while texting and driving a company vehicle, it could damage your employer’s reputation. It could also result in negative press and a loss of customers. 

How to Avoid Texting and Driving 
It’s your responsibility to follow safe driving practices while operating a company vehicle. That means not texting and driving, following traffic laws and being aware of your surroundings. If you need to communicate with someone while on the road, consider using hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth headsets or voice-activated systems. Alternatively, pull over to a safe location and address your communication needs. 

It’s also important to report any accidents or incidents that occur while driving a company vehicle to your employer. This can help protect you and your employer from legal or financial ramifications. 

Conclusion  
Texting and driving while using a company vehicle is never worth the risk. As an employee or business owner, you must ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. By following safe driving practices and using alternative communication methods, you can help prevent accidents caused by distracted driving.  

Consider contacting an insurance agent to learn more about auto insurance options that cover accidents caused by distracted driving. This type of coverage can provide peace of mind and protection for you and your employer in the event of an accident. 

Contact your insurance agent today to learn more about commercial auto coverage or for tips on safe driving.  

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.