DATE: October 2, 2000

INCIDENT TYPE: Auto accident

LOCATION: District 6

TYPE OF WORK ACTIVITY: Talking on cellular telephone while driving

THE INCIDENT: On September 12, 2000 a Caltrans employee was having a business conversation on a cell phone while driving a state vehicle. After the employee stopped for a stop sign, he pulled into the path of an approaching vehicle. While still on the phone, he realized there was a vehicle approaching, panicked and stopped. The oncoming vehicle skidded into the state vehicle causing the state driver to suffer a broken nose, and possibly a mild concussion.

CONCLUSIONS: The CHP officer investigating this report wrote "…an associated factor in the cause of this collision was P-1’s (state driver) inattention while speaking on his cell phone."

RECOMMENDATIONS: These kinds of accidents can easily be avoided by pulling safely off the road to take care of your telephone business. If this is not possible, consider the following guidelines:

• Learn to operate the phone without looking at it.
• Don’t get into heated conversations while driving.
• Use a hands-free device.
• Don’t take notes or look up phone numbers while driving.
• While talking, keep your head up and your eyes on the road.
• Dial while the vehicle is not in motion, at a signal or stop sign, etc.
• Use the speed dial feature available on most phones.

Bottom line is if you can’t maintain an awareness of your surroundings and focus on your driving while talking on a phone or radio, DON’T DO IT.

HEADQUARTERS OFFICE OF SAFETY AND HEALTH (916) 227-2640

Released 10/9/00