NSC DWT Survey Results

In August, more than 2,000 National Safety Council members responded to a survey on employee use of wireless communication devices while driving. Thank you to everyone who participated. Below are some highlights:

The results

• 58 percent of respondents have some kind of cell phone ban in place.
• 469 companies prohibit both handheld and hands-free devices while driving for some or all employees.
• 99 percent of companies that ban both handheld and hands-free devices have experienced no decrease in employee productivity.
• More than one-third of respondents without any policy expect to implement one within the next 12 months.

Handheld vs. hands-free
Half of the respondents currently prohibiting only handheld devices report they are "somewhat" to "very likely" to upgrade their policies to include banning hands-free phones.

Research has shown there are no safety benefits to hands-free phones. The distraction comes from the conversation itself more than where the drivers' hands are placed. The best practice is to ban all cell phone use while driving.
Is a hands-free phone safer than a handheld phone?
Hand-Held or Hands-free? The Effects of Wireless Phone Interface Type on Phone Task Performance and Driver Preference