In the past decade, we’ve averaged approximately 40,000 deaths on U.S. roads every year. Further, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related fatalities. All drivers need to take responsibility and accept they are the causes of crashes.
On April 17, I’ll be presenting to the Association of Energy Service Companies (AESC), which addresses safety, technology, environmental, insurance, training and other issues common to companies associated with the energy industry. At the event taking place at the Dallas / Fort Worth Marriot Hotel & Golf Club, guests will learn how inattentive driving is the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes. According to the NHTSA, nearly 80 percent of crashes and 68 percent of near-crashes involve some form of driver inattention within three seconds before the event. Those distractions generally fall into one of four categories:
- Visual Distractions – Taking your eyes off the road
- Manual Distractions – Reaching for something
- Auditory – Hearing things not relevant to driving
- Cognitive Distractions – Mind not focused on driving
Fortunately, there are easy solutions that can be implemented to help reduce distractions while driving:
- Turn off the phone when driving
- Pull into a gas station or parking lot for phone calls/text messages
- Devices and phone apps to help prevent cellphone use while driving
- Refrain from having discussions with passengers that require a lot of thought
- Take regular breaks from driving to help refocus
- Plan ahead and allow for additional time
I’m honored to present at AESC’s Safety, Wireline, Trucking Conference and Tradeshow. Since 1956, the organization has grown into the premier association for the energy service industry. At Towerstone, we frequently look to trusted sources of information like AESC to benefit our energy clients. Given the high stakes and unique complexities of the oil & gas industry, the best way to protect assets and manage risks is to partner with a company like Towerstone that specializes in the energy risk business, specifically oil and gas wholesale insurance.
Have questions about distracted driving in the energy industry? Let’s connect.
About the Author
For more than 25 years, Ron Byrd has been proving solutions to companies most challenging issues. At Towerstone, Byrd provides risk management and loss control services, conducts safety reviews, develops client training, and more. He is a certified safety professional and a graduate of Southern Arkansas University.