How to safely check smart phones while driving

Are you jealous of people who have no need to check in with work once they leave their workplace? I am. I recently was talking with a nurse who has three days a week off. On those days, she has no expectation of a call from a boss or client.

Most of us face a different scenario as I mentioned in my previous blog post. Half of workers say they feel like they must check their smart phones while driving, particularly those in sales and professional services. Even more, workers say the current economy has made them feel even more compelled to answer every beep or check every text while driving, a new study by CareerBuilder.com reveals.

We all know it's dangerous but we do it anyway. Twenty-one percent of workers say they check their mobile device every time it vibrates or beeps and 18 percent report they are required by their company to be accessible beyond office hours via mobile device. Also, 14 percent of workers said they feel obligated to constantly stay in touch with work because of the current tough economy. It's no wonder then that
 17 percent of workers struggle with this aspect of work life balance saying they feel like their work day never ends because of technology.

So, what can be done to keep your boss and/or customers happy and keep you safe?

• Pull over, there's no shame in doing so.
• Have a back up plan in place. If you anticipate being needed while on the road, have voicemail up.
• Turn your smart phone off and turn it back on when you arrive where you need to be.
• Set priorities -- safety or text?

Do you feel you absolutely must answer your phone when it vibrates or beeps? If so, is it self-imposed or does your boss or client really expect you to respond even when on the road?

Comments

[Cardrew]

Unless you are a brain surgeon or a stockbroker, it is unlikely that your call is important enough to endanger other people's lives.

I worked as Regional Manager for a well known company, and made it quite clear that I would never answer the phone, or make a call while I was driving. My company and my customers were quite happy with this.

Many drivers I see engrossed in their phone conversations, and unaware of the road ahead, do not appear to be having business conversations!

[Cindy Goodman]

It is smart to make it clear to the boss, client and co-worker that you don't answer the phone while driving. I'm sure that everyone understands when you let it be known upfront. Thanks for your comment.