Cell Phone GPS Units can be a Distraction and a Hazard

A major benefit of GPS tracking is that it increases driver productivity. Unfortunately certain GPS devices can become a distraction to drivers.
Cell phones are often used by businesses to track drivers because of their ability to accurately report a location. However, cell phones are also able to do a lot of other things which can lead to distractions; cell phones now can get on Facebook, surf the web, etc. They also present the temptation to text and call friends.
Research shows that if a driver looks at their phone to text while driving 55 mph they will drive the length of a football field without being aware of their surroundings. Each year the use of cell phones causes 636,000 car crashes, 330,000 injuries, and 2,600 fatalities.
Because of this many companies have instituted policies that ban their drivers from using cell phones while driving. Companies have lost millions of dollars in lawsuits involving distracted drivers, and making sure drivers aren’t on cell phones drastically cuts down on the risk of lawsuits.
State legislatures are also getting involved in reducing texting related crashes. It is illegal in 18 states and that number is steadily growing. The American Transport Association is also trying to ban texting while driving and is proposing a bill that will cut states’ federal highway funding until they make texting while driving illegal.
GPS fleet tracking is an effective way to make sure your drivers are driving where they are supposed to be driving and can cut down on gas expenses, but if you invest in a GPS unit make sure it is one that won’t distract your drivers. This will lead to a safer and more productive work environment.