With roads becoming increasingly congested, especially during vacation seasons, prioritizing safe driving habits is paramount. A crucial aspect of this is the responsible use of cell phones. Currently, around 208 million individuals in the United States subscribe to wireless phone services, and law enforcement widely encourages carrying a cell phone in vehicles for emergency situations. Over 130,000 emergency calls are placed daily from wireless phones, reporting incidents ranging from severe car accidents to reckless driving. However, law enforcement officers possess the authority to penalize drivers who exhibit clear signs of distraction, posing a risk to road safety, whether due to reading maps, adjusting the radio, or engaging in phone conversations.
Exercising sound judgment while driving and using a cell phone is vital. Most safety recommendations are common sense. As a driver, your primary focus should be on the road. Consider these cell phone safety tips:
* **Utilize a hands-free device:** This enables wireless phone use without physically holding the device, allowing both hands to remain on the steering wheel.
* **Keep calls concise and informative:** Steer clear of intense or emotionally charged conversations that may divert your attention from driving.
* **Plan your calls:** Ideally, make all necessary calls before starting your trip. If you must use your phone, do so during rest stops or while stopped at a red light.
* **Keep your phone accessible:** Store your phone within easy reach, not in a purse or glove compartment. If you cannot safely answer a call, let it go to voicemail.
* **Inform callers that you are driving:** Don’t hesitate to end the call if weather conditions worsen or traffic becomes heavy.
* **Pull over to a safe location:** Before looking up a phone number, taking notes during a conversation, or sending text messages, find a safe place to pull over.
* **Report emergencies and dangerous drivers:** Use your phone to report serious road emergencies, reckless driving, aggressive behavior, or impaired drivers. Dialing 9-1-1 is typically free from most wireless phones.