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ability to hear other sounds. Use of such a headset while
operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle may create
a serious hazard to you and/or others, and may be illegal.
If you must use a stereo headset while driving, place a
speaker in only one ear. Leave the other ear free to hear
outside noises, and do so only if it is legal and you can
do so safely.
3. Make sure you place your 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, let your voicemail answer it for you.
4. Suspend conversations during hazardous driving
conditions or situations. Let the person you are speaking
to 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, look up phone numbers, read/
write e-mail, or surf the internet while driving. If you are
reading an address book or business card while driving
a car, or writing a to-do list, then you are not watching
where you are going. It’s common sense. Do not 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 schedule your calls with times you may be
temporarily stopped 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. Make people you are talking with aware you are
driving and if necessary, suspend phone conversations
which have the potential to divert your attention from the
road.
8. Use your phone to call for help. Your 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 your national
emergency number in the case of fire, traffic accident,
road hazard, or medical emergencies. Remember, your
national emergency number is a free call on your phone.