wireless safety on the road
1. Use speed dial and redial.
Carefully read your phone's instruction manual to learn to use quick-dial features such as automatic redial and memory. Plus, if you memorize your phone's keypad, you'll be able to use the speed dial function without taking your eyes off the road.
2. Use a hands-free device.
A number of hands-free wireless phone accessories are available today, including headsets, mounted devices and speakerphone accessories.
3. Keep your wireless phone within reach.
Be sure to place your wireless phone close enough so that you can grab it without removing your eyes from the road. If your phone rings at an inconvenient time, let your voice mail pick up the call.
4. Don't use your phone during hazardous driving conditions or situations.
Let the person you're speaking with know you're driving so you can suspend the call in hazardous situations. Rain, sleet, snow and ice can be dangerous, but so can heavy traffic. As a driver, your first responsibility is to pay attention to the road.
5. Don't take notes or look up phone numbers while driving.
Don't get caught in a dangerous situation just because you're not paying attention to the road. If you're reading an address book or business card, or writing a to-do list while driving a car, you're not watching where you're going.
6. Dial sensibly and assess the traffic.
If possible, place calls when you're not moving or before pulling into traffic. Try to plan your calls before you begin your trip or make them when you're stopped. If you need to dial while driving, dial a few numbers, check the road and your mirrors, then continue dialing.
7. Don't engage in stressful or emotional conversations.
Stressful or emotional conversations are distracting and even dangerous when you're behind the wheel of a car. Let those you're talking with know you're driving and, if necessary, suspend conversations that could potentially divert your attention from the road.
8. Use your wireless phone to call for help.
Your wireless phone can help you protect yourself and your family in dangerous situations. With your phone at your side, help is only three free numbers away. Dial 9-1-1 or another local emergency number in the case of fire, accident, road hazard or medical emergency.
9. Use your wireless phone to help others in emergencies.
Your wireless phone affords you the perfect opportunity to be a "Good Samaritan" in your community. If you see an auto accident, a crime in progress or a serious emergency, call 9-1-1 or another local emergency number.
10. Call roadside assistance or a wireless non-emergency number.
Certain driving situations require attention, but aren't urgent enough to merit a call for emergency services. In these cases, you can still use your wireless phone to lend a hand. Just call roadside assistance or another special non-emergency number.
