10 Driver Safety Tips
Your wireless device gives you the powerful ability to communicate by voice almost
anywhere, anytime. An important responsibility accompanies the benefits of
wireless devices, one that every user must uphold. When operating a car, driving is
your first responsibility.
When using your wireless device behind the wheel of a car, practice good common
sense and remember the following tips:
1. Get to know your wireless device and its features such as speed dial and redial.
Carefully read your instruction manual and learn to take advantage of valuable
features most devices offer, including automatic redial and memory. Also, work
to memorize the device keypad so you can use the speed dial function without
taking your attention off the road.
2. W hen available, use a handsfree device. A number of handsfree wireless device
accessories are readily available today. Whether you choose an installed mounted
device for your wireless device or a speaker device accessory, take advantage of
these devices if available to you.
3. P osition your wireless device within easy reach. Make sure you place your
wireless device within easy reach and where you can reach it without removing
your eyes from the road. If you get an incoming call at an inconvenient time, if
possible, let your voicemail answer it for you.
4. Suspend conversations during hazardous driving conditions or situations. 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 and ice can
be hazardous, but so is heavy traffic. As a driver, your first responsibility is to pay
attention to the road.
5. D o not take notes or look up device 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 is 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. D ial 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.
For Your Safety
185