We've all seen them - people driving down the road reading the newspaper, putting on makeup, or concentrating on a cell phone conversation. Those are the most obvious examples of driver distraction. What may surprise many people are the number of other things we do in our cars that take attention away from the primary task of driving.

Driving is a risky activity. Each year, more than 40,000 people are killed in motor vehicle crashes and over 3 million are injured. Research indicates that driver distraction is a contributing factor in 25-50% of all crashes, causing an estimated 4,000 to 8,000 traffic crashes each day, the impact on employers is significant. These crashes pose a major risk to employers of all sizes which ultimately means a risk to the companys' bottom line. A few simple steps can reduce the risk. NETS developed the Distracted Driver Tool Kit so that employers would have a training program to enable their employees to identify potential distractions while driving and develop techniques and strategies to better manage these distractions. The Tool Kit contains a video highlighting eight scenarios of in-vehicle distractions, a Leader's Guide, a Rate-Your-Risk Quiz, incentives and other useful tools and information. The program keeps employees focused on the task at hand-driving-and reinforces that drive-time is not down-time!

Several years ago, NETS released the results of a national telephone survey conducted in August that showed that distracted driving has become an increasingly dangerous trend. Nearly all drivers-94%-reported having engaged in activities that are potentially distracting while driving. More startling, 39% of respondents reported engaging in distracted driving activities primarily while driving for work. These survey results highlight the need for increased involvement from employers who often bear the costs when an employee is involved in a traffic crash. Through education and training programs sponsored by NETS, employers can provide training that will enable employees to identify potential distractions while driving and develop techniques and strategies to manage and minimize distractions.

For more information on obtaining NETS Distracted Driving toolkit please visit the following link: http://www.trafficsafety.org/products.asp.