Verizon Offers Ideas for Safer Use of Wireless Phones While Driving

MILWAUKEE, May 30 -- With the start of the summer travel season for millions of Americans just around the corner, Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest carrier, is reminding all wireless phone users to make safety a priority when driving.

"Verizon Wireless promotes safe driving year-round, but as summer travel begins, we're reminding our customers and all wireless users of their responsibility while on the road," said Tracy Nolan, president, Wisconsin/Illinois Region, Verizon Wireless.

Verizon Wireless asks people to remember these 10 tips, which were developed by the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA), when they are behind the wheel of a vehicle:

   
    1.  Get to know your wireless phone and its features, such as speed dial,
        redial and voicemail.
    2.  Use a hands-free device.  Headsets allow drivers to keep both hands on
        the wheel while talking.  Speakerphones also make it easy to have a
        hands-free conversation.
    3.  Position your wireless phone within easy reach.
    4.  Let the person you are speaking with know if you are driving, it helps
        keep calls brief.  Suspend the call in heavy traffic or hazardous
        conditions.
    5.  Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving.  Use pre-set
        numbers for voice-activated or speed dialing.  Voice-activated dialing
        is built into many of today's handsets.
    6.  Dial sensibly and assess the traffic; place calls when you are not
        moving or before pulling into traffic.
    7.  Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may divert
        your attention from the road.
    8.  Be a good citizen: Use your wireless phone to help others in
        emergencies.  Dial 9-1-1 or other local emergency numbers to report
        serious emergencies -- it's a free call from your wireless phone.
        And, be sure to give the exact location and your wireless phone
        number.
    9.  To get roadside assistance or to report non-emergency situations, use
        special numbers assigned for those purposes in your area rather than
        9-1-1.
    10. Consider enrolling in your wireless carrier's roadside help program.
        Verizon Wireless Roadside Assistance has an affordable service that
        can help access 24-hour services such as a battery boost, towing, tire
        service, and fuel delivery.

"Just having a wireless phone in the car can provide great peace of mind, particularly when you're lost, delayed or just taking unfamiliar routes," added Nolan. "We encourage you to use your wireless phone wisely and safely whenever you are talking and driving. Use a hands-free device and call with care."

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 30 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone. Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com .

The Verizon Wireless Roadside Assistance service is $2.95 a month.