Distracted driving is one of the biggest problems facing managers of employee drivers. But how can driver managers take action against distractions? And how can managers maintain an efficient and productive workforce if drivers aren’t able to communicate?
It comes down to dispelling the myths around distracted driving, including revealing exactly how cell phone bans impact on productivity (you might be surprised!).
In this Seven Stages of Distraction Denial series, eDriving’s award-winning Brain Scientist Advisor Paul Atchley Ph.D. reveals the truth about what distractions do to the brain and how managers can help employee drivers resist distractions behind the wheel.
Stage 1: I am a better driver than most
You’ve talked about most drivers thinking they’re better than others, and this was reiterated by a recent study. Why do drivers rate themselves above average?
Driving is a risky behavior. Our brain doesn’t want to feel threatened, so one way to reduce that sense of risk is to believe that we are not the ones at risk, because we are the “good” drivers.
What’s the biggest danger in believing you’re an above-average driver?
The first step toward a crash is not believing you will crash. The best drivers recognize how risky driving is, and are constantly taking steps to avoid potential crash events.
Suppose a driver is pretty good on the road. Does that keep them safe?
Just like one bad apple can spoil a barrel of apples, one bad driver can cause a series of crashes on a freeway of good drivers. There is a point where physics takes over from human decision making and even the best driver may find themselves in a crash they could not avoid. But most crashes are due to human error and can be anticipated by an attentive driver.
Distraction Denial Stage 2: I am really good at multitasking
To learn more about this stage and all Seven Stages of Distraction Denial, view eDriving’s webinar with Dr. Atchley in which he provides further insights and tips for avoiding distracted driving.
