Road Safety
Your wireless phone gives you the powerful ability to communicate by voice, almost
anywhere, anytime. But an important responsibility accompanies the
benefits of wireless phones, one that every user must uphold.
When driving a car, driving is your first responsibility. When using your wireless phone
behind the wheel of a car, practice good common sense and remember the following
tips.
1. Get to know your wireless phone and its features, such as speed dial and redial. If
available, these features help you to place your call without taking your attention off
the road.
2. When available, use a hands-free device. If possible, add an extra layer of
convenience and safety to your wireless phone with one of the many hands-free
accessories available today.
3. Position your wireless phone within easy reach. Be able to access your wireless phone
without removing your eyes from the road. If you get an incoming call at an
inconvenient time, let your voice mail answer it for you.
4. 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, ice and even
heavy traffic can be hazardous.
5. Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving. Jotting down a To Do list
or flipping through your phonebook takes your attention away from your primary
responsibility, driving safely.
6. Dial sensibly and assess the traffic; if possible, place calls when you are not moving or
before pulling into traffic. Try to plan calls when your car will be stationary. If you need
to make a call while moving, 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. Make
the people with whom you are talking aware that you are driving and suspend
conversations that have the potential to divert your attention from the road.
8. Use your wireless phone to call for help. Dial the emergency number in the case of
fire, traffic accident or medical emergencies. Remember, it is a free call on your
wireless phone!
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