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But with wireless phone use, driving safely means a
little more. This brochure is a call to wireless phone
users everywhere to make safety their first priority
when behind the wheel of a car. Wireless
telecommunications is keeping us in touch,
simplifying our lives, protecting us in emergencies
and providing opportunities to help others in need.
When it comes to the use of wireless phones, safety
is your most important call.
Wireless Phone “Safety Tips”
Below are safety tips to follow while driving and
using a wireless phone which should be easy to
remember.
1. Get to know your wireless phone and its features
such as speed dial and redial. Carefully read your
instruction manual and learn to take advantage of
valuable features most phones offer, including
automatic redial and memory. Also, work to
memorize the phone keypad so you can use the
speed dial function without taking your attention off
the road.
2. When available, use a hands free device. A
number of hands free wireless phone accessories are
readily available today. Whether you choose an
installed mounted device for your wireless phone or
a speaker phone accessory, take advantage of these
devices if available to you.
3. Position your wireless phone within easy reach.
Make sure you place your wireless phone within
easy reach and where you can grab it without
removing your eyes from the road. If you get an
incoming call at an inconvenient time, if possible, let
your voice mail answer it for you.
4. Suspend conversations during hazardous driving
conditions or situations. Let the person you are
speaking with know you are driving; if necessary,
suspend the call in heavy traffic or hazardous
weather conditions. Rain, sleet, snow and ice can be
hazardous, but so is heavy traffic. As a driver, your
first responsibility is to pay attention to the road.
5. Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while
driving. If you are reading an address book or
business card, or writing a “to do” list while driving
a car, you are not watching where you are going. It’s
common sense. Don’t get caught in a dangerous
situation because you are reading or writing and not
paying attention to the road or nearby vehicles.
6. Dial sensibly and assess the traffic; if possible,
place calls when you are not moving or before
pulling into traffic. Try to plan your calls before you
begin your trip or attempt to coincide your calls with
times you may be stopped at a stop sign, red light or
otherwise stationary. But if you need to dial while
driving, follow this simple tip-dial only a few
numbers, check the road and your mirrors, then
continue.
7. Do not engage in stressful or emotional
conversations that may be distracting. Stressful or
emotional conversations and driving do not mix-they
are distracting and even dangerous when you are
behind the wheel of a car. Make people you are
talking with aware you are driving and if necessary,
suspend conversations which have the potential to
divert your attention from the road.
