Motor vehicle crashes, on and off the job, are the primary cause of death and injury in the United States.

Motor vehicle crashes cost employers over $50 billion annually in medical care, legal expenses, property damage, and lost productivity. They drive up the cost of benefits such as workers' compensation, Social Security, and private health and disability insurance. In addition, they increase the company overhead involved in administering these programs.

Recent statistics show that when a worker has an on-the-job highway crash that results in injuries, the cost to that person's employer is more than $24,000. An off-the-job crash that results in injury costs the employer more than $18,000.1

Starting a highway safety program is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of reducing injuries and their related costs. By instructing your employees in basic traffic safety techniques including motor vehicle, safe pedestrian, bicycle, and motorcycle techniques and then rewarding safety-conscious behavior, you can help your employees and their families avoid tragedy.

Making the effort to promote highway safety has a public relations benefit as well. It shows employees that you're concerned with their health and welfare and demonstrates to the community that you're a good corporate citizen.

This booklet shows you six easy steps for building a highway safety program in your workplace. It also contains real-life examples of successful safety programs, sample messages and activities for starting your own program, and a list of resources to help you fine-tune your activities.

1 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, What Do Traffic Crashes Cost? Total Cost to Employers by State and Industry, DOT HS 808-478, December 1996.

 

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