According to the Society for Human Resources Management, “An employee assistance program (EAP) is a work-based intervention program designed to assist employees in resolving personal problems that may be adversely affecting the employee’s performance.” Since risk management focuses on avoiding or minimizing the likelihood of a loss, the implementation of an EAP is one action a motor carrier can take to help support this effort and its employees. One example of how an EAP can help prevent losses involves distracted driving. There are three types of driving distractions: manual, visual, and mental.

Consider mental or cognitive distractions; these can include daydreaming or being preoccupied with something other than driving. For example, if a driver is dwelling on a family issue that occurred before leaving on a trip, they cannot focus solely on the task of driving. Mentally distracted drivers are less aware of their surroundings and less likely to perceive hazards and react in time. The goal of an EAP is to help workers resolve personal matters so they do not negatively affect performance. Below are examples of the types of services commonly found in an EAP.