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On October 1, 2010 Massachusetts will join 29 other states in banning texting while driving.  This new law which prohibits texting, composing and sending email, and browsing the web while driving applies to all drivers. In addition it also prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from talking on cell phones while driving.  The law specifically applies to cell phones, laptops and any other handheld devices such as PDA’s.  It does not apply if the vehicle is stationary and not located in a part of the roadway intended for travel however, it does apply to drivers waiting at traffic lights and stop signs.  Similar laws will likely spread to other states over the coming months.   Even Oprah has taken a stand on distracted driving and has encouraged guests and listeners to take the No Phone Zone pledge.

As a Company, it is hard to control what your employees are doing while driving however, a company policy can be put in place to try and minimize this behavior while on company time.  For example, a company could stipulate that a hands free device should or must be utilized (If cells phones are frequently used during vehicle operation) or the company does not permit company emails to be sent or read while driving.  Implementing such a policy in the Employee Handbook will reinforce to employees your commitment to safe driving.

It is not a bad thing to weigh in on an issue such as this.  Distracted driving is dangerous and texting while driving is even more dangerous.  Research indicates that cell phone use while driving may even approach the equivalent danger of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.  Witnessing a texting driver swerve into the opposite lane of a major interstate going 80 miles per hour is more than a little frightening.   Letting your employees know that the company does not condone this activity and it is a violation of company policy may make people stop and think about what they are doing and the risks they may be taking.