Cell Phones and Safe Driving

It's probably not a huge venture to say that most drivers have experienced a congested road akin to Boston's Southeast Expressway, where the speed limit is 35 mph and most everyone is driving 50. Total concentration is required while, inevitably, daring individuals weave in and out of the traffic, managing to reach their destination 5 seconds ahead of everyone else.

Add to the morning's stress: in the rear view mirror a traffic weaver approaches with one hand on the wheel and the other clutching a cellular phone in the midst of a heated argument. Stiffening your shoulders, you envision perspiration marks on the receiver. Once the driver has passed, you breathe gratefully and hope for everyone else's safe commute too.

Car phones are indeed a convenience -- a safety feature and oftentimes a necessity. But how car phones may be used effectively and safely is an issue worth highlighting. According to a recent study funded by the Canadian Automotive Association, it takes a full second longer for a cellular phone user to react to sudden traffic situations. Since the number of users is rapidly on the rise, what can you do to reduce the risk of danger in traffic? Here's a few suggestions:

• Keep your phone in an easy-to-reach place.
  
• Use a hands-free microphone while driving.
  
• If you must dial while moving, take your time, keeping your eyes on the road.
  
• Pull off the road to take notes.
  
• Let your cellular network's voicemail pick up calls when traffic is potentially hazardous.

For more information concerning cellular telecommunications, refer to the Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile site.

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