Ten Golden
Rules on How to Use Your Phone Safely while Driving
Wireless
phones provide you freedom, convenience, personal security and the
flexibility to stay in touch when you travel - but only if you use
them safely. With the number of wireless phone subscribers in the
Canada alone exceeding 3 million, the use of cellular phones while
driving is becoming a common part of our driving culture. Safe
driving ought to be the first priority of the drivers with cell
phones. Remember, not only your safety is at issue; the safety of
your passengers and pedestrians are also at stake. Always buckle
up, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
If you choose
to use a wireless phone while driving, be sure to remember the
following ten golden rules:
- Get to know your phone and its features, such as speed
dial and redial. Remember your own phone number and memorize
your phone keypad. Position your phone within easy reach.
- When available, use a hands free device or a phone with
hands-free speakerphone, which allows you to keep both hands
on the wheel when speaking.
- Let the person you are speaking to know you are driving.
If necessary, suspend the call in heavy traffic or hazardous
weather conditions.
- Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while
driving. Keep your eyes on the road.
- Dial sensibly and assess the road conditions and traffic
before making or taking a call.
- If possible, place calls when you are not moving or
before pulling into traffic.
- Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations
while driving, since that may divert your attention from the
road.
- On many occasions people carry more than one phone. Make
sure that only one phone is "on" at any given time
to receive calls while driving.
- Subscribe to Voice Mail. Return the calls at your
convenience.
- Program your most frequently dialed numbers into your
phone for speed dialing. Whenever possible, dial using
one-touch dialing feature, better yet, if possible, use voice
activated dialing, while driving.
In
Case of Emergency
Your wireless
phone can be a great safety tool too. If an emergency occurs, dial
9-1-1. Wireless 9-1-1 calls do not yet provide emergency personnel
with your name, phone number or location. Tell the dispatcher your
name and wireless phone number, including area code so that you
can be called back if necessary. As in any emergency let the
dispatcher know the nature of the emergency, whether police, fire
or medical assistance is needed and above all the exact location
of the emergency, including cross streets, mileposts, or
landmarks. Be a Good Samaritan. Dial 9-1-1 to report serious
emergencies, impaired, aggressive or reckless drivers, accidents,
crimes or fires – it's free from your wireless phone!
Al Warren
Alcom Enterprises Inc.
5050 Dufferin St, Unit 104
Toronto
416-665-9799
al @alcomenterprises.com
www.alcomenterprises.com
Al has built Alcom into one of
the top Telus partners in Canada.
Alcom succeeds because they know their
products well and provide a complete service,
including repairs.
Drop in to his store and you’ll see
customers, old and new, looking for accessories,
upgrades, and advice on programs.
From MIKE®, to regular mobile, to
truck and courier tracking systems, Alcom provides a
complete service.
- Editor
