STEP 4

Tool 4C

Growing Proactive Traffic Safety

tool 4A - Conversation

The following discussion guide can be used in workplace staff meetings, safety moments, or other employee gatherings to allow for continued dialogue. This discussion requires about 10 to 15 minutes.

Prompt:

The foundation of this policy is to create a culture of safety. A culture of safety means that everyone is involved in promoting a safe, responsible culture in our workplace. Everyone at work can engage in proactive traffic safety behaviors. Proactive safety behaviors demonstrate a commitment to safety beyond oneself that includes the safety of everyone.

Examples of proactive traffic safety behaviors include supporting existing traffic safety efforts, staying informed of safety-related issues, and speaking up about other people’s unsafe behaviors like driving distracted. 

Ask:

How have you engaged in proactive traffic safety behaviors like speaking up or seen others speak up in ways that promoted a culture of safety – perhaps with distracted driving or another safety issue? 

What was that experience like? What were your thoughts and feelings?

What is it like to have the expectation that everyone is committed to safety and acts in ways that both increase one’s own safety and the safety of others? 

Are there things we can be doing to promote these proactive safety behaviors more at work?

Conclusion:

When thinking of a culture of safety and engaging in proactive traffic safety behaviors like speaking up with a coworker, we must remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility.  Everyone can do their part. Are there any questions on the policy or other ideas you would like to share? 

Washington Distracted Driving Law

In creating and implementing a workplace policy, it is important to understand current laws in Washington. In Washington, it is against the law to use your cell phone while you are driving. 

Laws explicitly include both text-based communications and talking on the phone while driving without appropriate hands-free devices. 

 Washington also acknowledges that a wide variety of other behaviors could distract a driver and result in dangerously distracted driving. An officer can cite a driver for engaging in any activity not related to the actual operation of the motor vehicle in a manner that interferes with its safe operation. See: https://wadrivetozero.com/distracted-driving/ for more information about the laws.

Washington Distracted Driving Law

In creating and implementing a workplace policy, it is important to understand current laws in Washington. In Washington, it is against the law to use your cell phone while you are driving. 

Laws explicitly include both text-based communications and talking on the phone while driving without appropriate hands-free devices. 

 Washington also acknowledges that a wide variety of other behaviors could distract a driver and result in dangerously distracted driving. An officer can cite a driver for engaging in any activity not related to the actual operation of the motor vehicle in a manner that interferes with its safe operation. See: https://wadrivetozero.com/distracted-driving/ for more information about the laws.

Washington Distracted Driving Law

In creating and implementing a workplace policy, it is important to understand current laws in Washington. In Washington, it is against the law to use your cell phone while you are driving. 

Laws explicitly include both text-based communications and talking on the phone while driving without appropriate hands-free devices. 

 Washington also acknowledges that a wide variety of other behaviors could distract a driver and result in dangerously distracted driving. An officer can cite a driver for engaging in any activity not related to the actual operation of the motor vehicle in a manner that interferes with its safe operation. See: https://wadrivetozero.com/distracted-driving/ for more information about the laws.

Key Terms for Workplace Distracted Driving Policies

Company business: any situation where an employee is performing tasks on behalf of their employer. 

Hands-free device: a mobile device that can be operated through voice command, often through a wireless or Bluetooth connection, integrated into the vehicle. 

Hand-held device: a mobile device that is operated while holding the phone in hand and operating it through pressing buttons or a touch screen. 

Mobile device: any portable communication device including (but not limited to) mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, and laptop computers. 

Employer-owned or Employee-owned device: Employees may conduct company business on devices that are either employer owned or employee owned. Both types of devices may be for work as well as personal uses. 

Questions to Consider: