We have often stressed the point that driver distraction is about much more than cell phone use and texting. A recent study shows that our message is getting across to fleet managers and companies wishing to protect themselves and their employees.

According to Automotive Fleet magazine, an internal study by Cellcontrol found that more than 50% of inquiries from fleet managers showed that they were more concerned with laptop and tablet use while driving than cell phone use.

These inquiries included fleets in a range of industries, including professional services, energy, and transportation services.

“Mobile devices like tablets and laptops are one of the most overlooked products when it comes to distracted driving and more attention and enforcement should be considered by businesses that have mobile employees, regardless of whether or not they’re using a company owned vehicle,” said Kevin Coppolino, Vice President Corporate Development. “These types of mobile devices not only take a driver’s complete attention off the roadway, making them more of a distraction than a cell phone, but can also become a projectile in an accident, causing additional injuries if the devices are not properly secured.”

This reflects the growing dependence on computer use for mobile workforces, and is a reminder of the obligations that employers have to make a mobile workplace safe and compliant.

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Blank-IT has been designed specifically to address the problem of driver distraction caused by in-vehicle computers and laptops. It is easily installed, doesn’t rely on 3rd party input such as GPS, is fully customisable for different working environments and will help businesses conform with distracted driving legislation and OH&S requirements.