WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As National Wireless Safety Week draws to a close, CTIA-The Wireless Association(R) and the wireless industry reminds drivers that your most important responsibility behind the wheel is safety. Whether it's drowsiness, eating, drinking, reading, or caring for a child or pet, government statistics and respected research studies indicate that drivers face many distractions in the car.
Wireless phones are often used on the road to report accidents and hazardous driving conditions. These timely calls to emergency numbers like 9-1-1 have been shown to not only save lives, but also prevent the occurrence of accidents. However, the responsible and safe operation of a motor vehicle is a first priority and you should never allow your wireless phone to distract you from driving safely.
"Wireless devices are the greatest safety tool available to drivers, but they must be used responsibly behind the wheel," said Steve Largent, CTIA-The Wireless Association(R) President and CEO. "This means using a hands-free device whenever possible and dialing only after your car is safely stopped. You should suspend calls in heavy traffic or hazardous weather conditions and avoid engaging in stressful or emotional conversations that may divert your attention from the road. Remember to keep all calls brief and never take notes or look up numbers while driving."
If it is necessary to use a wireless phone while driving, CTIA-The Wireless Association(R) and the wireless industry encourages drivers to follow some basic do's and don'ts to ensure that your wireless phone doesn't become a distraction:
Get to Know Your Wireless Phone and its Features Such as Speed Dial and Redial.
Position Your Wireless Phone Within Easy Reach.
Dial Sensibly and Assess the Traffic; Place Calls When You Are Not Moving or Before Pulling Into Traffic.
Let the Person You are Speaking with Know You are Driving; Suspend the Call In Heavy Traffic or Hazardous Weather Conditions.
Do Not Take Notes or Look Up Phone Numbers While Driving.
Use a Hands-Free Device.
Do Not Engage In Stressful or Emotional Conversations that Might Divert Your Attention from the Road.
Dial 9-1-1 or Other Local Emergency Numbers to Report Serious Emergencies--It's free from Your Wireless Phone!
Use Your Wireless Phone to Help Others In Emergencies.
Call Roadside Assistance or a Special Non-Emergency Wireless Number When Necessary.
National Wireless Safety Week: CTIA-The Wireless Association(R) and wireless carriers across the country have sponsored National Wireless Safety Week since 1990 to focus attention on the important issue of public safety and the numerous ways wireless technology can save lives, stop crime, and be of invaluable assistance during an emergency situation.
To learn more about our Safe Driving Campaign, visit: www.ctia.org
CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.
