# Presentation: 759162

## Measuring the Value of Seat Belt ProgramsOSHA-NHTSA Motor Vehicle Safety SymposiumSeptember 14, 2004

**Measuring the Value of Seat Belt Programs****OSHA-NHTSA Motor Vehicle Safety Symposium****September 14, 2004**

- Kathy Lusby-Treber
- Executive Director
- Network of Employers for Traffic Safety

## The NETS Mission

-  To improve the safety and health of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work, by decreasing the number of traffic crashes that occur both on and off the job.

**Vision:  To Keep America’s Workforce Safe on the Road**

## The most dangerous part of the workday for any employee is the time they spend in their vehicle

- Every 5 seconds a crash occurs.Every 7 seconds a property damage crash occurs.Every 10 seconds there is a traffic-related injury.Every 12 minutes in the U.S. someone dies in a traffic crash.
- 	NHTSA [2001].

## How do traffic crashes affect employers financially?

**Average Motor Vehicle Crash Costs for Employers**
**$16,500/crash (all crashes)**
- $0.158/ vehicle-miles traveled
- $504,400/fatal injury
- $76,300/injury (all injury)
- $73,750/nonfatal injury
- NHTSA [2003].  The economic burden of traffic crashes on employers: costs by state and industry and by alcohol and restraint use.  Publication DOT HS 809 682.

## Traffic Crashes that Occur Off the Job Cost Impact Employers, Too

**Economic Costs of Traffic Crashes in 2000**
- $230.6 billion - Total societal cost of motor vehicle crashes
- $60 billion – Cost to Employers
- $40 billion from on-the-job crashes
- $20 billion off-the-job crashes for workers and their dependents
- NHTSA [2003].  The economic burden of traffic crashes on employers: costs by state and industry and by alcohol and restraint use.  Publication DOT HS 809 682.

## Employer Costs of Motor Vehicle Injuries

- NHTSA [2003].  The economic burden of traffic crashes on employers: costs by state and industry and by alcohol and restraint use.  Publication DOT HS 809 682.

## Why Do Organizations Need to Address                        Traffic Safety?

- To save lives and minimize injuries
- To protect their human and financial resources
- To protect against catastrophic losses

## The Good News...

- These costs are avoidable.
- Employers can do something about it.

## NETS 10 Steps to Minimize Crash Risk

- 1.      Senior Management Commitment & Employee Involvement
- 2.      Written Policies and Procedures
- 3.      Driver Agreements
- 4.      MVR Checks
- 5.      Crash Reporting and Investigation
- 6.      Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection
- 7.      Disciplinary Action System
- 8.      Reward/Incentive Program
- 9.      Driver Training/Communication
- 10.    Regulatory Compliance

## Drive Safely Work WeekOctober 4-8 2004

- Drive Safely Work WeekOctober 4-8 2004

## Benefit to Organizations that Minimize their Risk

- Benefit to Organizations that Minimize their Risk

- Lower operating costs
- Improved employee relations and higher morale
- Enhanced corporate image

## Workplace Programs Can Make a Difference

- 25-50% of crashes caused by distracted driving
- 40% of crashes are alcohol-related
- 30% of crashes are speed-related
- 52-58% of occupants aren’t belted in fatal crashes

## Seat Belts Make a Difference

- Properly used, seat belts can reduce the risk of fatal injury for front seat occupants
- By 45% in cars
- By 60% in light trucks

## Employer Costs per Person         Involved in a Crash

**Unrestrained vs. Restrained**

- On-the-Job Crash
- Unrestrained - $27,750
- Restrained     - 11,310

- Off-the-Job Crash
- Unrestrained - $2,980
- Restrained     -$   600

- NHTSA [2003].  The economic burden of traffic crashes on employers: costs by state and industry and by alcohol and restraint use.  Publication DOT HS 809 682.

## Corporate seat belt usage rates 

General Motors – “Create the Habit” Safe Driving Program
61% in Nov. 1998 					
85% in Dec. 2003

Charter Communications (Michigan Region)
74% in 2001
94% in 2003

**Corporate seat belt usage rates **
**General Motors **– “Create the Habit” Safe Driving Program
- 61% in Nov. 1998
- 85% in Dec. 2003
**Charter Communications (**Michigan Region)
- 74% in 2001
- 94% in 2003

- Workplace Programs Can Make a Difference

## Seat BeltAmerica

**www.trafficsafety.org**