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 coincidence that the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) is clear about the practice, establishing in article 252 that the use of cell phones while driving is prohibited (except in specific situations, such as the use of hands-free devices).
Therefore, the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) warns that even handling a cell phone — whether to answer a call, send a message, or even look up information — can be considered a serious infraction.
How much is the fine for using a cell phone while driving?
Using a cell phone while driving has financial consequences and results in points on your driver's license: the fine is R$ 293,47 and results in the loss of 7 points on your 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 crucial to understand that this infraction can also result in even more serious consequences, such as the suspension or even loss of the driver's license, depending on the severity of the accident involving 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.
Data from the 2024 Traffic Accident Bulletin of the Federal Highway Police confirms exactly that: the main causes of accidents were delayed or inefficient reaction and lack 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, they divide their attention, resulting in cognitive distraction, where the brain deviates from the main task to focus on something else. Even without taking their eyes off the road, their mental processing capacity is already compromised.
Furthermore, using a cell phone causes visual distraction, as the driver may look at their 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 ahead, the driver takes longer to react and avoid a disaster.
Fatigue and mental overload
Using a cell phone while driving can also lead to mental fatigue. The act of driving itself requires a great deal of attention and cognitive energy, and when a driver engages with a cell phone, this load increases considerably.
This not only affects the ability to concentrate, but also accelerates the process of fatigue in traffic , making anyone more susceptible to errors in judgment and loss of attention.
Read more: Technology for preventing driver fatigue
Increased risk of accidents
According to the WHO, drivers who use cell phones are up to four 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 escalation of operational costs, both due to fines, repairs and compensation, as well as 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.
More importantly, this practice jeopardizes the health and safety of the drivers themselves, who 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: the 6 best practices to prevent and solve problems
2. Have the support of technology
Investing in onboard technology can be one of the most effective ways to reduce the need for drivers to use their cell phones while driving and check notifications. If possible, ensure that fleet vehicles have navigation systems with integrated GPS, reducing the temptation to use cell phones to look up 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 example of voice alerts that Golfleet Videotelemetry can give its driver while they are driving. The same applies to dangerous overtaking and speeding.
Read more: Video telemetry in accident prevention: how to implement it correctly in your fleet
5. Create a system of rewards and consequences
It's important to establish a system of incentives and consequences to ensure drivers feel motivated to follow the rules. This could include monthly rewards such as bonuses, extra days off, or prizes, and clear penalties for drivers caught using their cell phones while driving.
6. Foster a culture of road safety
Behavioral change must begin with leadership. Managers and supervisors need to be role models for their drivers, so demonstrate the importance of road safety and promote a culture of respect for life by conducting internal campaigns to keep the topic 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.
