No texting while driving … a tractor

While teenagers have been the focus of texting-while-driving bans, Kubota Tractor reminds us it’s also not a good idea for those driving tractors and other heavy equipment. In fact, the company labels them “tractor distractors.” Instead, says Kubota, pay close attention to the task at hand, avoid all distractions and take note of all safety practices.

While the focus these days is on texting, using smart phones — glancing down at an e-mail, searching for the right app, even just plain ol’ talking — takes our minds off driving a 4,000-pound vehicle between two straight lines. And now legal issues are cropping up for companies — you may be liable if your employee is conducting your business on his or her phone and has an accident.