What can TEMIA do for you?

Recently, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTBS), called for a ban on driver use of all personal electronic devices (PEDs). This came after an investigation found that a driver sent 11 text messages prior to a 2010 multi-vehicle highway accident that killed two people and injured 38 others.

The NTBS hopes to shape public opinion with its call for a ban on all texting, emailing or chatting while driving. This ban is unlikely to become a law because the NTBS does not regulate transportation, and each state has to pass its own laws. People agree that texting while driving is dangerous, yet only 35 states currently have laws that ban texting while driving.

This debate centers on personal freedom versus costly invasive government regulations that would completely prohibit use of cell phones including drivers with hands-free devices.  Before you choose sides, consider that studies have found talking on a mobile phone is so mentally distracting that it is equivalent to driving under the influence of alcohol. Some people argue that a driver puts himself and other people at risk when they drive drunk, and that this risk is no different than putting others at risk when a driver uses a cell phone. Employers may also be liable even if employees that have an individual liable plan or a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) arrangement with their employer.

Based on this potential legal exposure, the Telecom Expense Management Industry Association, (TEMIA) recommends that employers use the call for a ban as a catalyst to review their mobile policies and manage risk in four areas:

• Danger from use of mobile devices while operating vehicles
• Standards for acceptable use to limit company liability for inappropriate actions by employees
• Data on devices from session hijacking, malware, viruses or theft of devices
• Excessive spending

Employers need to institute strong corporate wireless policies with clear mechanisms to enforce policy. TEMIA members can help employers balance policy monitoring with privacy concerns. Cost savings can pay for the program by optimizing service plans and eliminating wasteful spending. Employers will see a solid ROI through policy updates, telecom cost reduction and risk mitigation with tools to monitor policy compliance. What do you think?