At HAQM, we believe safe driving is a year-round, 24/7 priority. But since April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, there’s no better time for us to spotlight tips on this issue.
In 2022, 3,308 people were killed and 290,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving happens when your attention shifts away from the road ahead. Checking a phone notification or reaching for something in your cab are distractions that take your eyes and mind off your primary mission: delivering safely for your community.
Mobile devices can be a major cause for distracted driving incidents. Federal Law prohibits the use of them while operating a commercial motor vehicle over-the-road.
80% of collisions and 65% of near collisions involve some form of driver distraction within three seconds before a vehicle crash.
Before you get behind the wheel
- Set your navigation before departing: Take a moment before you roll out to review your route. A few minutes of preparation helps you stay focused on what matters most. Relay navigation suggests truck-friendly routes that avoid country and neighborhood roads, low bridges, and roads restricted by the Department of Transportation. Only check your phone for safety and navigation alerts when you’re safely parked.
While you’re driving
- Don’t hold or use a cell phone: It may be tempting to check a device for missed calls or notifications, but it’s safest to wait until the vehicle is parked in a safe location with the brakes engaged. Until then, keep those devices tucked away – even during quick stops at lights or signs.
- Maintain eye lead time: Give yourself the advantage of a view down the road – maintain distance for extra visibility. This helps you make smart moves and adjust your speed naturally, especially when those hills and curves come your way.
When can I safely use a cell phone if I’m hauling?
When you’re off the road (and not on the side of a road) with brakes engaged. Drivers can risk fines up to $2,750 or even losing their CDL for using a mobile device while driving.
Plan your communication stops at locations where you can take care of business with peace of mind, like:
- In a yard: Designated truck parking, off to the side of the yard, where the vehicles are not blocking traffic.
- At a stop: Gas stations (if height requirements allow), truck stops, rest areas, designated truck parking locations, or locations that are completely off the road where no part of the vehicle is exposed to traffic.
Join a safety-first network with Relay
At HAQM Relay, we understand you’re carrying more than freight – you’re carrying trust. We want safe, reliable carrier to haul our freight. These distracted driving prevention tips come from Relay’s training for our approved carriers. We offer many courses in our self-service portal for seasonal precautions, maintenance tips, and more.
Want in on a trucking community that prioritizes safety? Sign up to haul with Relay. You can also download the Relay app on iOS or Android to get started and track your application’s progress on the go.
Disclaimer: HAQM does not tender loads through any third-party load boards. Any HAQM loads posted on third-party load boards will only be tendered directly to approved and onboarded carriers via the Relay web portal or Relay mobile app. If you are interested in hauling loads for HAQM, sign up and book directly on relay.haqm.com.
