Distracted Driving Safety
A safety talk focused on distracted driving hazards, including mobile phones, navigation systems, paperwork, conversations, fatigue, in-vehicle distractions, and staying focused while operating work vehicles.
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Key Hazards
- Mobile phone use while driving
- Navigation, radios, tablets, or dispatch systems distracting the driver
- Paperwork, food, drinks, or loose items inside the vehicle
- Conversations pulling attention away from traffic
- Reduced reaction time from divided attention
- Drivers looking away from the road during backing, turning, or lane changes
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Distracted driving is a serious hazard because a vehicle can travel a long distance in just a few seconds while the driver’s eyes or attention are away from the road.
Phones are one of the most common distractions, but they are not the only one. Navigation systems, radios, tablets, paperwork, food, drinks, passengers, and jobsite directions can all pull attention away from driving.
Drivers should set up the vehicle before moving. Navigation, mirrors, seat position, climate controls, radios, and route information should be handled before the vehicle is in motion.
If a phone call, text, dispatch message, map correction, or work instruction needs attention, the driver should pull over in a safe location before responding.
Distraction is especially dangerous during backing, turning, lane changes, merging, intersections, work zones, school zones, and parking lots because conditions can change quickly.
Passengers can help by handling directions, calls, or messages when appropriate, but they should not create unnecessary conversation or pressure the driver to multitask.
Drivers should also manage internal distractions such as fatigue, frustration, rushing, or thinking about the next task instead of the road.
Safe driving depends on keeping eyes on the road, hands ready to control the vehicle, and attention focused on driving until the vehicle is safely parked.
Safety Reminders
- Set navigation and route details before driving.
- Avoid phone use while the vehicle is moving.
- Pull over safely before responding to calls or messages.
- Keep paperwork, food, and loose items from becoming distractions.
- Stay focused during backing, turning, intersections, and work zones.
- Ask passengers to help reduce distractions when appropriate.
- Stop driving if fatigue or distraction makes safe driving difficult.
Ask the Crew
- What distractions are most likely during today’s driving?
- Can navigation, calls, or paperwork be handled before departure?
- Where can drivers safely pull over if they need to respond?
- Are tablets, radios, or dispatch tools being used safely?
- How can passengers or coworkers help reduce distractions?