National Safety Council Answers Distracted Driving FAQ in New Video Series
The 2- to 3-minute videos in the “Understanding Distracted Driving” series feature NSC Senior Director of Transportation Initiatives David Teater, who explains the science behind cognitive distraction, why cell phones are a dangerous distraction to drivers, how companies can implement workplace policies for distracted driving and more. He calls the use of cell phones while driving “a dangerous, and oftentimes deadly, combination.”
Teater has a personal tie to distracted driving’s potential for tragedy: In 2004, his 12-year-old son, Joe, was killed in a crash caused by a driver using a cell phone. Today, Teater is a frequent speaker on the topic of distracted driving, has testified before Congress and has appeared before several state legislatures to advocate for restrictions on cell phone use while driving.
“You lose a child and it changes your life forever,” Teater said of his son in one of the videos. “The hardest thing to reconcile is that he died because of a phone call. There was no other reason.”
The videos are available on YouTube or may be downloaded for free.
This series is part of a larger strategy developed by NSC to end cell phone distracted driving. NSC is helping U.S. organizations of all sizes implement and strengthen corporate cell phone policies. NSC also offers a free cell phone policy kit.
About the Author
Laura Walter
Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.