Remember that expression about whistling and sucking on a cane? It's like driving and using a cell phone, they don't mix. Besides, the only problem isn't the fine for using your cell phone, since it only takes a few seconds and a bad decision to change your destiny.
“Today, we want to propose a reflection on the risks involved in your journeys in traffic. What consequences can that quick glance at your cell phone have, not only for you, but also for others? We live in a state of urgency, as if nothing can be left for later. We want to take care of everything at the same time, and this can have serious consequences.”
These words from Ricardo Imperatriz, CEO of Golfleet, open the way for the discussion we want to propose: how to adopt a responsible stance in traffic and avoid using a cell phone while driving in fleet management?
What does the law say about cell phones while driving?
What are the risks of using a cell phone while driving?
How does cell phone use while driving impact fleet management?
Step by step guide to avoid using your cell phone while driving
What does the law say about cell phones while driving?
It may seem harmless, but driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous stimuli. In addition to compromising the attention needed to drive the vehicle safely, it puts the lives of the driver, passengers and other people at risk.
It is no wonder that the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) is clear about the practice, establishing in the Article 252 that it is forbidden to use a cell phone while driving (except in specific situations, such as using hands-free).
Therefore, the CTB warns that even handling a cell phone — whether to answer a call, send a message or even check information — may be considered a serious offense.
How much is the fine for using a cell phone while driving?
Using a cell phone while driving has financial consequences and points on your driver's license: the fine is R$293,47 and results in the loss of 7 points on the driver's license.
This can be decisive for those who have already committed previous infractions or are close to reaching the points limit on their license, so it is a way to curb this dangerous practice, but it is important to remember that the impact goes far beyond the financial aspect.
Furthermore, it is essential to understand that this infraction can also result in even more serious consequences, such as suspension of the license or even loss of it, depending on the severity of the accident with the company vehicle.
Read more: Fines management: a strategic plan for security-oriented managers
What are the risks of using a cell phone while driving?
Nowadays, picking up a cell phone is almost as natural as breathing, but there is a time and place for everything. We all know that using a cell phone while driving is prohibited, but who has never seen it happen?
“This is a subject that we always need to bring to the fore, as human error remains one of the main causes of accidents. To give you an idea, a survey by the Brazilian Association of Traffic Medicine indicated that drivers’ recklessness, inattention and incompetence are the biggest risk factors,” says Sérgio Jábali, CTO of Golfleet.
The 2024 data from Traffic Accident Report from the Federal Highway Police prove exactly this: the main causes of occurrences were late or inefficient reaction and absence of reaction.
Using a cell phone while driving is one of the biggest sources of distraction and can have devastating consequences for both the driver and other road users.
With this in mind, let's take a closer look at the main risks involved:
Cognitive and visual distraction
When a driver uses a cell phone, he divides his attention and this results in cognitive distraction, where the brain diverts from the main task to focus on something else. Even without taking your eyes off the road, your mental processing capacity is already compromised.
We also pack any cell phone use causes visual distraction, since the driver may look at their cell phone instead of paying attention to obstacles, traffic signs or other vehicles.
Read more: Distracted driving in the fleet: causes, consequences and prevention measures
Increased reaction time
Distraction caused by cell phones significantly increases reaction time. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Talking on a cell phone or sending messages increases the chance of traffic accidents by up to 400%.
This means that in emergency situations, such as a pedestrian unexpectedly crossing the street or a vehicle suddenly stopping in front, the driver takes longer to react and avoid a disaster.
Fatigue and mental overload
Using a cell phone while driving can also cause mental fatigue. The task of driving itself requires a lot of attention and cognitive energy, and when a driver is involved in using a cell phone, this load increases considerably.
This not only affects the ability to concentrate, as it also speeds up the process of traffic fatigue, leaving anyone more susceptible to errors of judgment and loss of attention.
Read more: Technology to prevent driver fatigue
Increased risk of accidents
According to WHO, Drivers who use cell phones are up to 4 times more likely to be involved in an accident than those who do not. The consequences of this affect not only drivers and passengers, but also pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers on the road.
Legal and financial consequences
The R$293,47 fine, the loss of 7 points on your driver's license and the risk of having your license suspended are just the beginning. Accidents caused by distractions on your cell phone can result in lawsuits, higher insurance premiums and, in more extreme cases, loss of life.
For fleet management this can represent an increase in operational costs, both for fines, repairs and compensation, as well as for damage to the company's reputation.
Impact on the image and efficiency of companies
Drivers’ use of mobile phones while behind the wheel can have a direct impact on operations. An accident involving distraction can damage the trust of customers and business partners.
Most importantly, This practice puts the health and safety of the drivers themselves at risk, which are the most valuable assets in any company.
How does cell phone use while driving impact fleet management?
It is now clear that using a cell phone while driving not only affects road safety, but also has direct and indirect consequences for fleet management. Now, let’s explore the main effects:
- Higher operating costs
Using a cell phone while driving can result in traffic accidents, which in turn generate high costs for the company. These costs include everything from repairs, maintenance of damaged vehicles, fines, and even drivers taking time off work to treat injuries, which can affect operations.
- Less productivity and operational efficiency
Delays, route failures and increased travel times directly affect the fleet's efficiency, as time lost during the journey (answering calls, reading messages, or even navigating) reduces capacity and compliance with deadlines.
- Team burnout
Another important point is the impact that cell phone use has on driver fatigue. If fleet management does not take action to prevent this practice, the work environment can be affected by the lack of discipline and constant concern for safety.
- Impact on results measurement
With compromised efficiency and performance metrics, fleet managers have a distorted view of fleet performance, making it difficult to make strategic decisions to improve operations and reduce costs.
Step by step guide to avoid using your cell phone while driving
Now that we have discussed the risks of using a cell phone while driving for drivers, passengers and fleet management, we are going to share some tips for you to put into practice in your operation.
1. Establish a cell phone policy while driving
The first step in combating cell phone use on the road is to ensure that all drivers are aware of and follow a clear and strict policy on the use of mobile devices while driving.
- Create a formal document stating that driving while using a cell phone is prohibited
- Clearly communicate this policy to the entire team, not just drivers, with a special focus on the consequences for non-compliance (fines, warnings or even termination, depending on the severity)
- Include in the training manual and hold regular meetings to reinforce the importance of staying focused on the direction
Involving drivers early in the creation and discussion of these policies can increase commitment and engagement, so don’t leave your team out.
Read more: Fleet Incident Management: 6 Best Practices to Prevent and Resolve Problems
2. Have the support of technology
Investing in on-board technology can be one of the most effective ways to reduce the need for drivers to check their phones and notifications while driving. If possible, ensure that fleet vehicles have navigators with integrated GPS systems, reducing the temptation to use your cell phone to check routes.
3. Conduct regular training on safe driving and cell phone use while driving
Education is key to changing any behavior. However, it is important to organize lectures and workshops that not only warn about the risks of using a cell phone while driving, but also show how to avoid this practice:
- Include real examples of accidents and risky situations caused by cell phones.
- Provide clear statistics on the physical and financial harm associated with using cell phones while driving.
- Teach practical alternatives, such as stopping in safe places if you need to answer an urgent call or do something on your cell phone.
Other good tips are to offer in-person or online training, with resources such as gamification, and to use impactful videos to illustrate the real consequences of using a cell phone while driving.
Read more: How to use gamification in fleet safety training
4. Implement monitoring tools
Using technology can help ensure that company policy is followed. With a video telemetry system, for example, it is possible to monitor driver behavior and share safety and awareness tips.
“Welcome, now put your cell phone away and remember not to use it while driving.”
This is one of the examples of voice alerts that Golfleet Videotelemetry You can talk to your driver while he is driving. The same goes for dangerous overtaking and speeding.
Read more: Video telemetry in accident prevention: how to implement it correctly in the fleet
5. Create a system of rewards and consequences
It is important to establish a system of incentives and consequences to ensure that drivers feel motivated to follow the rules. This could include monthly rewards, such as bonuses, extra days off or prizes, and clear punishments for drivers caught using their cell phones while driving.
6. Foster a culture of road safety
Behavior change must start with leadership. Managers and supervisors need to be role models for their drivers, so demonstrate the importance of safety behind the wheel and promote a culture of respect for life, carrying out internal campaigns so that the topic is always in the spotlight.
7. Provide guidance on how and when cell phone use is permitted
We know that in some situations, it is inevitable that drivers will receive calls or messages. For these occasions, offer alternatives and guidance such as using the cell phone in airplane mode during the journey and only turning on mobile data when parked in a safe place.
By following these tips, your fleet will be increasingly safe from the risks of using a cell phone while driving. And to take the safety of your operation to the next level, learn more about the benefits of video telemetry.
