cell phone
There was a big push on Tuesday in Georgia for a tougher law that would increase jail time and fines for drivers who cause accidents while using a cell phone.
This latest attempt is part of a long running effort by several Georgia lawmakers to completely ban hand-held cell phones from cars.
The concept has been shot down several times, never making it out of Georgia's house motor vehicles committee during it's earlier introductions.
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Cellular Phone Safe Driving Tips
- Safe driving is your first priority. Always buckle up, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
- Make sure that your phone is positioned where it is easy to see and easy to reach. Be familiar with the operation of your phone, so that you're comfortable using it on the road.
- Use a hands-free microphone while driving. Make sure your phone is dealer-installed to get the best possible sound quality.
- Use the speed dialing feature to program in frequently called numbers. Then you can make a call by touching only two or three buttons. Most phones will store up to 99 numbers.
- When dialing manually without the speed dialing feature, dial only when stopped. If you can't stop, or pull over, dial a few digits, then survey traffic before completing the call. (Better yet, have a passenger dial.)
- Never take notes while driving. Pull off the road to jot something down; if it's a phone number, many mobile phones have an electronic scratchpad that allows you to key in a new number while having a conversation.
- Let your wireless network's voice mail pick up your calls when it's inconvenient or unsafe to answer the car phone. You can even use your voice mail to leave yourself reminders.
- Be a cellular Samaritan. Dialing 9-1-1 is a free call for cellular subscribers; use it to report crimes in progress or other potential life-threatening emergencies, accidents or drunk driving.
Source: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/research/wireless/c6.htm(Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association).
