Travelers Risk Index Reveals Work-Related Pressures May Contribute to Distracted Driving

Rhea-AI Summary

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) released the 2022 Travelers Risk Index on distracted driving, highlighting alarming trends in driver behavior. While one-third of respondents believe their driving has improved, many admit to using their phones while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports a 20% increase in car crashes and fatalities since 2019. Furthermore, 86% of business managers expect employees to respond to work-related communications while driving, contributing to 42% of respondents admitting to doing so. The findings underscore the need for awareness and intervention to combat distracted driving risks.

Positive

• The study raises awareness about distracted driving, potentially fostering public safety initiatives.

Negative

• Continued high levels of distracted driving behaviors may lead to increased insurance claims and costs for Travelers.
• The expectation from business managers for employees to respond while driving raises concerns about workplace culture contributing to dangerous driving habits.

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) today announced the results of the 2022 Travelers Risk Index on distracted driving, revealing that dangerous behaviors continue on U.S. roadways. Despite one-third of respondents stating that their own driving has improved over the past couple years, most admitted to making phone calls and reading text messages while behind the wheel.

“This year’s findings expose a gap between people’s perception that they can drive safely while using their smartphone and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, which shows a 20% increase in car crashes and fatalities since the pre-pandemic levels of 2019,” said Michael Klein, Executive Vice President and President of Personal Insurance at Travelers. “We all play a role in helping to address this public health crisis; it’s imperative that we simply silence our phones while driving and stay focused behind the wheel.”

The Travelers Risk Index results suggest that work-related pressure might lead to distracted driving. The majority of business managers (86%) expect employees to respond to work-related communications at least sometimes while outside the office during work hours. One-third expect employees to answer or participate in work calls while driving.

Such expectations may contribute to the 42% of respondents who say they take work-related calls, texts or emails while driving. When asked why, 43% of those respondents state that it might be a work-related emergency, 39% feel they always need to be available, and 19% say their boss will be upset if they don’t answer.

Distracted drivers are more likely to correct their behavior when passengers speak up, according to the Travelers Risk Index. Eighty-seven percent of respondents who use a phone while driving said they would be less likely to do so if a passenger mentioned it. However, the likelihood of passengers speaking up was dependent on who the driver was. For instance:

• 44% of respondents would speak up to a friend or family member if they were driving distracted.
• Only 11% would speak up to a coworker.
• Just 7% would say something to their rideshare driver.

The use of driver assistance technologies in vehicles is further complicating the issue of driver distraction, a topic that will be discussed at Travelers Institute’s virtual event today at 1 p.m. EDT. To learn more about the event, visit the Travelers Institute website.

For more information about the Travelers Risk Index and ways to reduce distracted driving, please visit Travelers.com.

About the Travelers Risk Index

In January 2022, Hart Research conducted a national online survey of 1,000 consumers, ages 18 to 69, regarding their perceptions and behaviors related to distracted driving. Separately, Hart surveyed 1,000 executives from businesses of all sizes. Both surveys were commissioned by Travelers.

About Travelers

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has approximately 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately $35 billion in 2021. For more information, visit Travelers.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220330005565/en/

Media:

Sperry Mylott, 860.277.5075

smylott@travelers.com

Kate Thermansen, 860.954.1789

ktherman@travelers.com

Source: The Travelers Companies, Inc.

FAQ

What did the 2022 Travelers Risk Index reveal about distracted driving?

The index revealed that despite improved self-perceptions, a significant number of drivers admitted to using phones while driving, correlating with increasing accident rates.

How much has distracted driving increased according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?

According to NHTSA, car crashes and fatalities have increased by 20% since the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

What percentage of business managers expect employees to respond to work communications while driving?

Eighty-six percent of business managers expect employees to respond to work-related communications at least sometimes while driving.

What role does workplace culture play in distracted driving?

The Travelers Risk Index suggests that workplace pressures contribute to distracted driving, with 42% of respondents taking work-related calls or messages while driving.

Where can I find more information about the Travelers Risk Index?

More information can be found at Travelers.com regarding the Travelers Risk Index and distracted driving safety.