Best Practice for using a cell phone while driving

[ddelon@tonko.com]

Hello Group,

Now that BC and SK have legislation that bans the use of non-hands free cell phones I am left in the middle (AB) with trying to develop a policy that acknowledges the BC legislation and puts in place a valid (enforceable) policy for Alberta. We operate in all three provinces. I would like to have one rule in place for all.

Some people believe that we should ban the use of cell phones in all trucks. How effective is that? Does anyone know how comliant people are to not use a cell phone. I know a few Alberta companies, perhaps Suncor??, came out with rule a couple of years ago saying you can't use it at all. Does that work?

My gut tells me to follow the BC legislation and use the same rules in Alberta. The BC legislation allows for hands free devices and does not allow for email or texting. I would rather put some rules around it that are safer than assuming that people would not use their phone at all.

I have the added problem that most of the vehicles used are not owned by us - personal vehicles of employees used for work time and travel.

What does the group think?

Does anyone have a policy document that they would be willing to share?

Cheers,

GO CANADA GO

:)

[RodT]

Hello Darius,

Can't help you with a specific policy as I am at an industrial site but I will advise that it is also a topical issue here in Australia as well.

My belief is that if you put rules in place you have to be committed and prepared for the results. A blanket ban on phones being used in vehicles is unworkable and I would think unenforcable, especially if the vehicles are privately owned as well.

There are plenty of studies around that suggest that using hands free is just as dangerous while driving. There are also plenty that say that it isn't.

My advice would be to structure a set of guidelines around the use (?) of hands free phones that outline the risks and then let the individuals make there decisions based on risk management principles. My view is that they are adults and will make these decisions anyway so give them the help to make at least an informed one.

Not sure if I have helped but good luck with it and I would be interested to see what you end up with.

Regards

Rod