Should employee use of cell phones while driving be limited?

Your cell-phone use policy should first and foremost ban the use of handheld cell phones --specifying that use is prohibited while driving a vehicle for any business-related purpose. Drivers should have both hands available to handle the vehicle's steering wheel at all times while the vehicle is moving.

In addition, because using a cell phone occupies not only the driver's hands but also his or her concentration, all cell phone use, even hands-free phones, should be prohibited in a moving vehicle in use for work-related purposes. If a driver needs to make a call, he or she should wait until the vehicle makes a stop in a parking area or pull over to the side of the road when it is safe to do so. Route drivers and delivery drivers should make calls to their dispatcher before leaving one stop for another, avoiding talking or dialing while driving.

Those employees who must make work-related calls while driving should have hands-free equipment, both hands-free phones and voice-activated dialing devices. Stack the deck in favor of the least distraction possible to the driver's concentration on the road and traffic.

Strictly prohibit using cell phones for personal calls while driving during business hours or for business purposes. All such calls should be made while the vehicle is completely stopped-and that doesn't mean at a stoplight.

While you are promoting your workplace cell-phone-use policy, encourage employees and their families also to refrain from cell phone use while driving for personal reasons, because of the same safety concerns.

Reprinted with permission. © CCH