Distracted Driving
This webcast will cover ...
• How to develop and implement policies
and procedures to reduce the incidence
of distracted driving,
• Regulations on the use of electronic incab devices that lead to distraction,
• How to educate drivers on the risks
associated with distracted driving, and
• Question & Answer
Moderator
Dr. Gary Petty, President & CEO, NPTC
Panelists
Tom Moore, CTP, Senior Vice President, NPTC
Tom Bray, Sr. Editor – Transportation Management,
J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
Brian Holley, Director of Transportation, Whiteline
Express, Ltd.
Attention Attendees:
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Dr. Gary Petty
President & CEO
National Private Truck Council
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Introduction
• Policy and Procedure Best Practices –
Tom Moore
• Regulations – Tom Bray
• Whiteline’s Program – Brian Holley
• Housekeeping issues:
Gary Petty
National Private
Truck Council
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Introduction and
Disclaimers
• This is an introductory course and is intended
Gary Petty
to highlight important safety and compliance
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topics. Time constraints limit our ability to
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go in depth.
• We invite you to ask questions. We will answer them
throughout today’s webcast.
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Tom Moore, CTP
Senior Vice President
National Private Truck Council
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What is Distracted Driving?
• Any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the
primary task of driving
Tom Moore
National Private
• A secondary or tertiary task that takes away from
Truck Council
the driver’s ability to perform the primary task
• Examples include:
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Texting
Using a cell phone or smartphone
Eating and drinking
Grooming
Reading, including maps
Using a navigation system
Watching a video
Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
Source: Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI)
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“Glances”
• Drivers texting while driving were looking
Tom Moore
away from the road 4.6 seconds out of
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Truck Council
every 6 seconds.
• Without the driver looking, the vehicle traveled:
 371 feet at 55 mph
 439 feet at 65 mph
55 mph
65 mph
Source: Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI)
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Key Facts & Statistics
• In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes
Tom Moore
involving a distracted driver, compared to
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Truck Council
3,267 in 2010.
• An additional 387,000 people were injured
• Nearly 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of nearcrashes involved some form of driver inattention
within three seconds before the event (NHTSA).
• Text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse
than driving while not distracted (VTTI).
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Mitigating Distracted
Driving
• Carriers need to consider a “six-step
process” to stop distracted driving
 Have a policy forbidding texting, hand-held cell phone
use, and other distractions
 Educate
 Enforce the policy
 Verify compliance – inspect what you expect
 Use technology to help with compliance and enforcement
 Be willing to let go of problem personnel
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Tom Moore
National Private
Truck Council
Step One: Policy
• Have a policy that clearly states:
Tom Moore
 Employee is to be focused on the driving tasks when
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driving, nothing else
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 No texting while driving
 No use of hand-held cell phones
 Include operations (and other employees) in the policy, not just the
drivers
• Include all employees on company business
• A solid policy can protect everyone involved
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Step Two: Education
• Educate and train all affected by the policy –
Tom Moore
need to change behaviors
National Private
Truck Council
• Send information home
• Involve drivers -- ask drivers to become ambassadors
• Use of an in-cab/in-vehicle sticker or decal can
reinforce your company’s texting/calling policy
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Step Three: Enforcement
• Make sure enforcement policy is
communicated and understood by all
• No mercy: Violate policy = punished
• High likelihood of getting caught and punished is
what changes behaviors
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Tom Moore
National Private
Truck Council
Step Four: Verify
• Check incoming text and call times versus
driving times
• Make sure employees KNOW that the
verification is taking place
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Tom Moore
National Private
Truck Council
Step Five: Use Technology
• Have on-board communications systems
Tom Moore
that shut down when the vehicle is in motion National
Private
Truck Council
• Add-ons available for text-based and cell
phone based systems that shut down device
when in motion
• Consider using a system that “alerts” the driver to
stop and check for messages if you do need “instant
communications”
• Consider “text to voice” systems
• Consider requesting that drivers have the same
on their personal phones
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Step Six: Let Them Go
• If a employee will not comply with the policy
after being warned and disciplined, let the
employee go
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Tom Moore
National Private
Truck Council
Tom Bray
Sr. Editor, Transportation Management
J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
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NTSB Example
• Tractor-trailer crossed the median
Tom Bray
• Struck van with 12 people in it
J. J. Keller &
Associates, Inc.
• Truck driver and 10 of the 12 in the van were
killed
• Driver had used his cell phone for calls and text
messages while driving 69 times in the previous 24hours
• Most recent call placed when accident happened
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Earliest Official Action
• On January 27, 2010, FMCSA banned
Tom Bray
texting using handheld devices
J. J. Keller &
• Done by publishing an official interpretation to Associates, Inc.
§390.17 (use of additional equipment in commercial
vehicles)
 Commercial vehicle as defined in §390.5 (10,001 pounds or
more, etc.)
 “Texting” was defined as: “The review of, or preparation and
transmission of, a typed message”
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Texting Regulation
• Proposed rule published April 1, 2010
• Final rule went into effect October 27, 2010
(proposal to final rule in 6 months)
Tom Bray
J. J. Keller &
Associates, Inc.
 Expanded definition of “texting” to include any activity
involving the input of letters or numbers into an
electronic device
 Exceptions were using a GPS, dialing a cell phone*, using a device
that has multiple functions as long as it does not involve texting, and
contacting emergency services
 * This exception was removed in later rulemaking
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Texting Regulation
• Still in effect
• Has undergone slight change due to cell
phone regulation (removal of exception)
• Can be found at §392.80
• Penalties
 Up to $2,750 for driver (on top of state fine)
 Up to $11,000 for carrier
 Disqualification for multiple violations
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Tom Bray
J. J. Keller &
Associates, Inc.
Cell Phone Regulation
• Proposed rule published December 21, 2010
Tom Bray
• Final rule was published December 2, 2011
J. J. Keller &
Associates, Inc.
• §392.82 prohibits the use of hand-held cell
phones while operating any commercial vehicle
• Driver cannot:
 Hold the phone when using it
 Dial the phone (one button “dialing” and answering is allowed)
 Leave the normal driving position to reach for or answer the phone
• Only exception is contacting emergency services
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“Single Touch”
• To legally answer or initiate a call, the driver
Tom Bray
must be able to do it with a single touch
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Associates, Inc.
• Driver cannot hold the phone, push multiple
buttons, or push a button multiple times to answer or
initiate a call
• Myth: Phone has to be “mounted” within driver’s
reach…
 As long as the driver does not have to hold it or leave the normal
driving position to push a button, wherever it is in the cab is
acceptable
• Other option is to get off of the road
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What About Push-to-Talk
(PTT)?
• PTT phones treated the same as any other
Tom Bray
cell phone
J. J. Keller &
Associates, Inc.
• Driver cannot hold it in his/her hand
• No dialing
• Driver cannot “leave the driving position” to get
phone or answer it
• “Hands-free” or “remote switch” option can allow use
of PTT phones
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Cell Phone Regulation
• Penalties
 Up to $2,750 for driver (on top of state fine)
 Up to $11,000 for carrier
 Disqualification for multiple violations
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Tom Bray
J. J. Keller &
Associates, Inc.
Who Is Covered?
• Same drivers as texting regulations
• Drivers of ALL interstate commercial vehicles
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10,001 pounds or more
8 or 15 passengers
Placardable HM
School bus drivers
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Tom Bray
J. J. Keller &
Associates, Inc.
Why are Carriers Held
Responsible?
• Extension of the FMCSA’s view of the
Tom Bray
employer/employee relationship (employer is
J. J. Keller &
Associates, Inc.
responsible for, and must control, the
employee)
• It is not enough to just have a policy and say “we
tried to stop it”
• Carrier must actually stop their drivers from texting
and using hand-held cell phones
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Why Are CMV Drivers Being
Singled Out?
• The FMCSA only has jurisdiction over
Tom Bray
commercial vehicles being operated in
J. J. Keller &
Associates, Inc.
commerce and their drivers
• FMCSA has no jurisdiction over personal vehicles
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Two Ways to Catch a Driver
• Officer observes driver holding phone or
texting
• Post-crash investigation of driver’s cell phone
records
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Tom Bray
J. J. Keller &
Associates, Inc.
Brian Holley
Director of Transportation
Whiteline Express Ltd.
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Whiteline Express Ltd.
Fleet Operations
• Transportation and logistics division of
Plastipak Holdings, Inc.
• Established in 1983
• For Hire Authority
• Equipment
Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
 300 Tractors
 1,200 Trailers
•
•
•
•
400 Employees
5 Terminals
Supports 17 North America manufacturing sites
Move 100,000+ truckloads annually
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Research
Recommendations
• The research recommended carriers:
 Have a distracted driving policy and enforce it
 Train drivers on the importance of good visual
scanning patterns and the related hazard of
distracted driving
 Train drivers that non-driving tasks
should be taken care of when
not driving
Source: Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI)
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Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
Establishing Company
Policy
• Our job is to mitigate risk.
• Safety….. A core value, not just a program.
• Who thinks training should just involve drivers?
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Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
Establishing Company
Policy
• Policy must be clearly defined
 Goal of program is driver safety
 What is and is not allowed
 Consequences for violations
1. Written Counseling 2. Written Final Warning 3. Termination
Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
• Policy should be stand-alone – not buried in an employee
handbook.
• Policy should not just be about texting and cell phones
• Must be consistent in application of policy
• Reinforce policy on an ongoing basis
• Establish monitoring program
• “Tipster” hotline for drivers
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Establishing Training
Programs
• Important to us, important to them
 Make Safety Personal
• How best to deliver the training?
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Driver orientation/onboarding
Driver meetings
Payroll stuffers
Newsletter articles and tidbits
One-on-one conversations
• Types of Training
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Keep presentation slides simple, to the point
Classroom
Online training
One-on-One coaching
Remedial training
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Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
Managing Distractions
• Educated drivers on stopping distance and
reaction time and how distractions affect both
• Stress importance of pre-planning:
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Route and directions
Fuel Stop
Paperwork
Program GPS in advance
• Adjust mirrors beforehand
• Encourage drivers to either turn off
or silence their cell phones while driving
• Organize, secure and keep driving area clean
• Take break when tired or hungry
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Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
Dispatcher Training:
Our Part in Keeping
Our Drivers Safe
• Prioritize what is important
 Mission Critical
 Safety Related
Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
• Process and systematic discipline
 Utilize technology as intended!!!
 Don’t skip processes and call driver “because it’s faster”
• Ensure drivers are sending required information thru
proper channels in timely manner.
• Communication between departments and shifts.
 Don’t waste time
 Shift Notes
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Driver Training:
What is Distracted Driving?
• “Distraction” is a specific type of inattention
that occurs when drivers divert their attention Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
from the driving task to focus on some other
activity instead. It is worth noting that distraction is a
subset of inattention (which also includes fatigue,
physical conditions of the driver, and emotional
conditions of the driver).
Source: Overview of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s
Driver Distraction Program (DOT HS 811 299)
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Driver Training:
Types of Distractions
Visual Distractions: Anything that
takes your eyes off the road.
Manual Distractions: Anything that
takes your hands off the steering wheel.
Cognitive Distractions: Anything that
takes your mind off driving.
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Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
Driver Training:
Be a Defensive Driver
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Recognize hazardous driving situations
Brian Holley
Assume other drivers will make mistakes
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Make adjustments if a hazard develops
Look ahead for approaching hazards
Watch vehicles to your side and rear
Scan the road before changing speed or direction
Always use your turn signals
Drive with your lights on
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Driver Training:
Get Rest and Avoid Fatigue
• Get some sleep
• Take breaks as
needed
• Keep cab well
ventilated
• Adjust your
vehicle’s
environment
• Eat a healthy meal
before your start
your trip
Passdrive
Code: 75154299#;
•Dial-in:
Do 1-888-824-5783,
not eat and
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Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
Driver Training:
Pre-Drive Preparation
• Walk around your
equipment
• Adjust mirrors
• Clean windows, mirrors,
and lights
• Do your pre trip
inspection
• Get directions or
program your GPS
before moving truck
• Take care of
communications and
paperwork beforehand
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Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
Training Triangle
INSTRUCT
Initial
COACH
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Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
OBSERVE
Make It Personal
Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
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Can’t Manage It, If You
Don’t Measure It
Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
28%
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Using Data To Help Reduce
Distracted Driving
• Currently identify at risk drivers on
historical basis
 MVR
 Accident Reporting
 Log Violations
• May not always indicate a driver with highest
potential risk
• Predictive analytics and data modeling
• Advanced proactive risk management
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Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
How Can We Make It Easier
For Our Drivers?
• Understand the challenge...
Brian Holley
• Lock out on-board computer keyboard when
Whiteline Express
tractors are in motion
• Geo fencing (automated check calls)
• E-logs
• Upgrading our on-board computers for text to speech
• Evolve to paperless operation
• Training office and maintenance staff to recognize how
they impact distracted driving
• Become better listeners and communicators
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Final Thoughts
• Nothing is more important than our drivers
and the public’s safety
• Must recognize need to develop policy
to help mitigate your risk
• REMEMBER: How we train our people is
how they will they will behave in the field
• Enforce all safety rules in a consistent
manner (What you don’t address, you
condone!)
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Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
Question & Answer
Gary Petty
National Private
Truck Council
Tom Moore
National Private
Truck Council
Tom Bray
J. J. Keller &
Associates, Inc.
Brian Holley
Whiteline Express
Please submit questions to
“QA” using the Questions tool
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Closing Remarks
• Checkout the archive of past topics at:
http://www.jjkeller.com/nptcinfo
 PowerPoint slides and recording up in 1 week
• Remaining topics for 2013:
Gary Petty
National Private
Truck Council
 May 8, 2013 - Effective Driver Vehicle Inspections
 July 10, 2013 - DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing
 October 2, 2013 - Physical Qualification of Drivers: DOT Physicals,
CDLs and Med Cards, Functional Capacity Testing
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