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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.
10Call 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.
The wireless industry reminds you to use your phone safely when driving.
For more information, please call 1-888-901-SAFE.
For updates: http://www.wow-com.com/consumer/issues/driving/articles.cfm?ID=85