Missouri businesses can encourage employees to be safer on the roads while competing for a cash prize through a new statewide competition.
The Buckle Up Phone Down (BUPD) Business Showdown, which began Monday, allows any Missouri employer with five or more employees to participate in a free distracted driving course with cash incentives for participation. Businesses must register, adopt a safe driving cell phone policy, have employees complete a 20-minute online video class and submit the online BUPD pledge.
Cash prizes will be available to the three businesses with the highest percentage of employee completion, with $7,500 for first place, $6,000 for second and $5,000 for third. Winning businesses will also be recognized at the state Capitol during an event scheduled for April 12.
Employees participating will also be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.
The contest runs through March 31. Those interested can register online at savemolives.com/mcrs/buckle-phone-down-business-showdown.
The inaugural competition is sponsored by AAA Missouri and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety and is a collaboration with Missouri Employers Mutual, the Governors Highway Safety Association and General Motors.
"Statistically, car crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths, and we know cell phone distraction is playing an increased role," AAA Missouri Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations Angela Nelson said in a statement. "To protect employees and keep work comp costs down, safety should be the top priority for every employer. We know many businesses don't have a safe driving policy – and that's the first step to ensuring employees are safe when they're behind the wheel."
Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the U.S., according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, killing more than 17,000 workers between 2011-2020.
Work-related crashes are also a high expense, costing employers approximately $39 billion in 2019 alone. Missouri Employers Mutual reported lost time crash claims costing an average of $126,000.
"The number of motor vehicle-related workers compensation claims rises each year, and more than half of them involve litigation expenses," Missouri Employers Mutual Vice President and Chief Claims Officer Jennifer Langan said. "The simple act of enforcing a company seat belt policy can reduce injuries and costs."
AAA's release on the program noted Missouri is one of only two states that does not have a texting-while-driving ban on the books for those over the age of 21, with the exception of those driving large commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks. AAA reported at least 382 deaths on Missouri roads caused by distracted driving between 2017-2021; 52 percent of those killed were reportedly someone other than the distracted driver.
Learn more at savemolives.com