The Power of Planning: Changing Driver Behaviors

Article content provided by Federated Insurance.

A recent study estimates that 29% of all traffic-related deaths are due to distractions.¹ Distracted driving is a choice — one that can have serious consequences for everyone sharing the road. Ultimately, you and your employees need to make choices that impact everyone’s safety and well-being while driving.

One way to do this is to remind your employees to plan ahead before driving by using the following tactics:

• Silence Phone Notifications: Before hitting the road, silence your phone to avoid the temptation to check it during your drive.
• Prepare Your GPS in Advance: Set up your GPS and review your route before starting your journey to help prevent last-minute distractions.
• Check Conditions: Look for detours, traffic updates, and weather forecasts to better plan your route and avoid sudden changes.
• Communicate Plans: Inform others when you leave and your expected arrival time to keep them updated without needing to check your phone.
• Pull Over for Calls: If you need to make a call or send an update, find a safe place to pull over first.
• Use a Driving Telematics Program: Utilize in-cab technology or driving telematics programs to enhance your accountability and safety on the road.

By encouraging these responsible habits, you can reinforce safer driving behaviors for your employees. Reach out to your local Federated® marketing representative to learn more about how planning ahead to prevent distracted driving, along with telematics programs like Federated DriveSAFESM , can help your drivers stay safe.

¹ U.S. Department of Transportation. 2024 Progress Report on the National Roadway Safety Strategy. Accessed 9/19/24.

Visit the SMACNA association page for more on the products and services Federated Insurance offers, and to locate your local marketing representative and association account executive.

This article is for general information and risk prevention only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all risk of loss. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any laws or regulations that may apply. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances. ©2023 Federated Mutual Insurance Company.