When I originally wrote the Delivery Master Guide years ago, I knew that technology would have an impact but truly had no idea to what extent. At the top of that list has to be the good, the bad and the ugly that surrounds driving and texting.
The number of automobile related deaths in the US is a national shame. While there are many distractions that are the cause of these deaths, technology is by far the greatest. There is a lot to distract us from the road: GPS, play lists, cell menus, elaborate climate control, radio quality, speaker phone, settings for ABS (anti-lock braking system), cruise control, trip and fuel measurements and other wonders of technology. The most distracting and deadly, however, is texting. In 2021, 3,521 lives were claimed by some form of distracted driving, and 3,308 in 2022.
The antidote to this deadly poison? Just wait! Pull over, text, and drive away – alive. If you encourage your drivers of any vehicle against driving and texting, you could save the lives of pedestrians, other drivers and of the texter. It is a formidable challenge to change ingrained behavior. The alternative is standing idly by. In the event of a deadly accident, a lawsuit will most likely follow. The business owner is likely to be sued. What will your defense be? If you say I repeatedly cautioned the perpetrator not to text, reviewed safety protocols, had him/her sign a check list of poor choices, you may be in a better position. You did what you could to prevent the death or accident and may mitigate your damages.
Just how big is the problem? Think Pandemic! Driving and texting is a national scandal – a train wreck waiting that will take and change lives. The Federal statistics (national, DOT/Department of Transportation) reports the unbiased facts. How about considering sending or reading texts takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds at 55 mph. That’s like driving the length of a football field. Texting makes a crash 23 times more likely.
Why is driving and texting (or browsing or surfing) such a problem? My thoroughly unscientific and subjective view is personal boredom. We are bored and feel unconnected. By focusing on the job at hand and responsibility, this death plague can be controlled. Easier said than done. We must, however, try. Learning to use seat belts was not easy. A “designated driver” who did not drink is an ongoing issue. All are related to personal responsibility – a hard lesson to teach and to be absorbed. We must start. As a business owner, as manager, it starts with awareness and your action.
Distraction includes, not being focused on the road, taking your hands off the wheel. Teens have become an integral part of the delivery work force across the US. The battle for safe driving comes from the fact that 97% of all teen drivers agree texting is dangerous, yet 43% do it anyway. The biggest problem falls in the fact that 9 in 10 teens expect a reply to a text within 5 minutes or less.
Among the highlights of the The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stats (DoSomething.org) are that 43 states and D.C, prohibit driving and texting. How about that women are more likely than men to reach for their phone while driving. The government in addition to many pages of bureaucratic federal & state also offers a labyrinth of safe driving programs. NHSTA, US DOT.
As you talk to your restaurant’s delivery team and try to take the high road with a positive reinforcement, its probably a good idea to share the reality of penalties. Some other facts your team needs to be aware of are points on your driving record and of course suspension of your license. Here’s a simple summary for you: U Drive, U Text, U Pay.
I know that like most restaurant owners, you are busy wearing many hats. However, being a good citizen is good business. Lead by example by spreading the word of dangers of all forms of distracted driving. Not texting while driving as a personal example and integral part of company or organization policy.
For more about the laws of your state – many of which have been changed or added to since you took your license to drive exam. I suggest checking out the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA.org) to learn more about the laws in your state. In 2020, $562 million dollars in grants was given by the NHSTA for highway safety programs.
I understand that texting is not going to go way. With that, let’s take a look at what can be done now to help your drivers deliver with consistent safety.
Happy to discuss how we can make this happen. Any questions, we are here to help and talk: sandy@carryhot.com
