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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.
8 Use your wireless phone to call for help. Your wireless phone is one of the greatest
tools you can own to protect yourself and your family in dangerous situations--
with your phone at your side, help is only three numbers away. Dial 9-1-1 or other
local emergency number in the case of fire, traffic accident, road hazard or medical
emergency. Remember, it is a free call on your wireless phone!
9 Use your wireless phone to help others in emergencies. Your wireless phone provides
you a perfect opportunity to be a "Good Samaritan" in your community. If you
see an auto accident, crime in progress or other serious emergency where lives
are in danger, call 9-1-1 or other local emergency number, as you would want
others to do for you.
10 Call roadside assistance or a special wireless non-emergency assistance number
when necessary. Certain situations you encounter while driving may require
attention, but are not urgent enough to merit a call for emergency services. But
you still can use your wireless phone to lend a hand. If you see a broken-down
vehicle posing no serious hazard, a broken traffic signal, a minor traffic accident
where no one appears injured or a vehicle you know to be stolen, call roadside
assistance or other special non-emergency wireless number.
Careless, distracted individuals and people driving irresponsibly represent a hazard to
everyone on the road. Since 1984, the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association
and the wireless industry have conducted educational outreach to inform wireless phone
users of their responsibilities as safe drivers and good citizens. As we approach a new
century, more and more of us will take advantage of the benefits of wireless telephones.
And, as we take to the roads, we all have a responsibility to drive safely.
