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CTIA-The Wireless Association® Reminds Consumers to Be Responsible Behind the Wheel


June 5, 2008

Don't Text and Drive

WASHINGTON, DC – As the school year winds down and the summer road-trip season begins, CTIA-The Wireless Association® and the wireless industry reminds consumers that safety should be every driver’s top priority.  Drivers should never take their eyes off the road, or their hands off the wheel for extended periods of time.  When behind the wheel, a driver’s most important responsibility is safety—don’t text and drive. 

“This week is National Wireless Safety Week, and I can’t think of a better time to remind Americans to be responsible behind the wheel,” said Steve Largent, CTIA-The Wireless Association® President and CEO. “Text messaging equips wireless consumers with a unique safety tool that enables people to respond to emergency situations anywhere, anytime.  But, there’s a time and a place for texting, and when you’re driving is not one of them.” 

More and more Americans are using their wireless devices to report emergencies, prevent crime and save lives.  Everyday more than 290,000 calls are made from wireless devices to 911 or other emergency services. That’s about 200 calls every minute.  A wireless device is one of the best safety tools drivers can have with them on the road.  However, when it comes to driving, the responsible and safe operation of a motor vehicle should be every driver’s top priority and consumers should never allow their wireless device to distract them from driving safely.

CTIA-The Wireless Association® and the wireless industry encourages drivers to follow some basic do’s and don’ts to ensure that their wireless phones don’t become a distraction:

  • Be responsible behind the wheel…don’t text and drive.
  • Get to know your wireless device and its features, such as speed dial and redial. 
  • Position your wireless device within easy reach. 
  • Dial sensibly and assess the traffic; place calls when you are not moving.
  • Let the person you are speaking with 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. 
  • Use a hands-free device for convenience and comfort. 
  • Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that might divert your attention from the road.
  • Dial 911 or other local emergency numbers to report serious emergencies – it’s free from your wireless phone.
  • Use your wireless phone to help others in emergencies. 
  • Call roadside assistance or a special non-emergency wireless number when necessary.

National Wireless Safety Week:  CTIA-The Wireless Association® and wireless carriers across the country have sponsored National Wireless Safety Week since 1990 to focus attention on the important issue of public safety and the numerous ways wireless technology can save lives, stop crime, and be of invaluable assistance during an emergency situation. 

Check out the new radio ads from CTIA’s Safe Driving public service announcement campaign, and learn more about Wireless Safety Week by visiting www.ctia.org/WirelessSafetyWeek08. 


 
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CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry,
representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.
www.ctia.org