Driving can be dangerous, especially if you’re distracted by your phone. The good news is that Bluetooth technology can help make your drive safer and more convenient.

You’ve probably heard the same horror stories, like the one about the driver with 15 years at the same company, no tickets or accidents. Then the company installs on-board cameras, the kind that points out toward traffic and only film the driver when there’s a critical event. One day, he’s looking for  ” Take it Easy” by the Eagles on Spotify, and his truck attains 70 mph, triggering a critical event. The camera catches him with his smartphone in his hand, and he is summarily fired, his record permanently tarnished.

More severe examples of distraction exist, like a truck driver in Kentucky is facing murder charges after a court revealed he was watching a video when he fatally hit a Jeep driver who was stopped in traffic. Fleets have a strict zero-tolerance policy towards distracted driving, and most individuals have room for improvement in avoiding distractions while driving. The trucker in question is no exception.

But Randy O’Neal, safety analyst at a trucking company in Georgia, sees a huge need for better proactive training.

” The first thing we do is show the drivers all the capabilities of their onboard Bluetooth speakers,” said O’Neal, “We teach them how to do voice-to-text so they can do all that hands-free. We teach them how to select music using vocal commands only.

“Also, we make certain there’s a phone mount in every truck. That way, the phone can be operational at all times. Most of our guys use the onboard Bluetooth system provided by Volvo. Those that don’t provide their own.”

O’Neal’s approach to training is noteworthy as it recognizes the need for continuous learning in an era of rapid change. For those without the benefit of an onboard Bluetooth system, investing in a high-tech device could be worth the cost as it can prevent potential issues.

Due to increased focus on drivers’ cell phone use, the federal guidelines include the “one-touch rule.” This means that calls, music selections, or texts must be made with only one touch.

This language is taken from the FMCSA website:

  • Make sure the mobile telephone is within close enough proximity that it is operable while the driver is restrained by properly installed and adjusted seat belts.
  • Use an earpiece or the speaker phone function.
  • Use voice-activated dialing.
  • Use the hands-free feature.

To follow the federal guidelines, a driver must have their mobile phone within reach and be able to make, answer, or end a call with one touch while in the seated driving position and wearing a seat belt. Reaching for the phone in an unsafe manner, even with the intention of using hands-free, is not compliant with the guidelines.

No call, No text, No ticket!