OK,
so everyone loves talking on their cell phones but did you know that doing
it can be hazardous to your health? No, I'm not talking about the
news reports you have heard in the past that associate cell phone usage
with brain tumors. I'm referring to the injuries that can result
from talking on the cell phone while driving! There's no doubt about it,
it's DANGEROUS! How many times have you seen another driver start
to drift into another lane of traffic (maybe yours) and then when you look
over at them what do you see? You got it, a cell phone!
They are more interested in their conversation than in obeying the rules
of the road. Hard to believe, but cutting that big business deal
or asking their spouse what to pick up at the grocery store becomes more
important at that moment than their own safety.
Can
you get a ticket for talking on a cell phone while driving, you ask. YES!
Many countries as well as many cities and states across America have made
it illegal to talk on a hand-held cell phone while driving. In states
where there is no law against holding a cell phone while driving, police
officers can ticket you for unsafe driving. In other words, if you
are doing something other than driving while driving (holding a cell phone,
putting on lipstick, reading a map or book, etc.) and you are driving unsafely
as a result of such activities, you may receive a ticket.
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Attention
California Drivers
Starting
July
1, 2008, with certain exceptions, you may not drive while using a hand-held
cell phone. You will need to use a speaker phone or headset. Drivers under
18 will be prohibited from using a cell phone PERIOD, except in an emergency
situation. Click
here to read the new law. |
To make your day a little
safer and your life a little easier, here are some cell phone safety tips:
-
Try
to place calls while your vehicle is stationary.
-
Use
a "hands-free" or speaker phone accessory (these are available for most
if not all hand-held cell phones). Not only does this allow you to
keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road, but using
a hands-free kit keeps the phone further from your head reducing
exposure to the alleged tumor-causing radiation.
-
Never
read or write text messages while driving. Taking your eyes off the road
for a second or two can result in a collision. Pull over to the side of
the road if you must text.
-
Program
frequently called numbers into your phone's memory allowing you to keep
dialing to a minimum.
-
If
you must dial when the car is moving, hold the phone at eye level so you
will have a clear view of the road.
-
Do
not make emotional phone calls while driving (quitting your job,
breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, etc.) as you will be focused
primarily on the call rather than your driving.
-
Never
read or write while the car is moving. If you must write a note or
take down a phone number during a conversation, PULL OVER!
-
Make
sure your phone is within easy reach while driving.
-
Be
careful when pulling over to place calls. To avoid being a crime victim,
do not stop in dangerous areas and keep your car doors locked.
-
If
your phone is connected to your car's power source, disconnect your phone
before using jumper cables. The power surge could damage your phone.
-
Make
sure 911 is programmed into your phone's memory should you need to report
an accident or other emergency.
Watch Reed's
Driving Safety Tips on
Click
Here
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