In today's 24/7/365 world, staying connected is what it's all about. And text messaging, according to the CTIA, the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, is increasingly how many people prefer to communicate today.* Maybe it's the allure of the rapid read and respond capability — even from behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.
The wheel in one hand, the phone in the other
In January 2010, the National Safety Council (NSC) released a report that estimates that at least 1.6 million crashes (28 percent of all crashes) are caused each year by drivers talking on cell phones and texting. If you're using your handheld device while driving, try these tips to break your habit:
Turn off the ringer so you won't be tempted to answer while driving. Let your voicemail pick up messages.
Place your handheld device out of reach so you can't use it to talk or text.
For more tips, go to the Department of Transportation's new Web site that aims to reduce distracted driving: http://www.distraction.gov.
Then go to http://txtresponsibly.org/oath/ and take the oath. It may save a life, even your own.
State laws vary
Cell phone use and text messaging laws vary state-by-state as more and more states and municipalities are banning specific distractions. So before you head out on vacation, visit http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html for current information on cell phone usage. And let's check your auto coverage soon to see if you're prepared for all those distracted drivers on our roads.
*http://ctia.org/advocacy/research/index.cfm/AID/10323
The wheel in one hand, the phone in the other
In January 2010, the National Safety Council (NSC) released a report that estimates that at least 1.6 million crashes (28 percent of all crashes) are caused each year by drivers talking on cell phones and texting. If you're using your handheld device while driving, try these tips to break your habit:
Turn off the ringer so you won't be tempted to answer while driving. Let your voicemail pick up messages.
Place your handheld device out of reach so you can't use it to talk or text.
For more tips, go to the Department of Transportation's new Web site that aims to reduce distracted driving: http://www.distraction.gov.
Then go to http://txtresponsibly.org/oath/ and take the oath. It may save a life, even your own.
State laws vary
Cell phone use and text messaging laws vary state-by-state as more and more states and municipalities are banning specific distractions. So before you head out on vacation, visit http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html for current information on cell phone usage. And let's check your auto coverage soon to see if you're prepared for all those distracted drivers on our roads.
*http://ctia.org/advocacy/research/index.cfm/AID/10323
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