| If you think that driving under the influence of | | | | using cell phones while driving cannot be readily |
| alcohol is still the most dangerous thing you can | | | | dismissed. After all, the use of cell phones while |
| do behind the wheel, think again. Recent statistics | | | | driving has already been banned in countries like |
| show that driving while talking on a cell phone is | | | | Australia, Spain, Israel, Portugal, Italy, Brazil, Chile, |
| just as deadly. | | | | Switzerland, Great Britain, Singapore, Taiwan, |
| Millions of drivers worldwide talk on their handheld | | | | Sweden, Japan, and Austria. |
| phones daily. So why is it a problem? Cell phones | | | | Keeping this in mind, here are some cell phone |
| are a proven distraction and according to the | | | | safety tips that might just prove to be lifesavers: |
| National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | | | | 1. Never read or write text messages while |
| (NHTSA) in the United States, cell phone use | | | | driving. |
| accounts for more than 25 percent of all | | | | 2. Program frequently called numbers into your |
| police-reported traffic accidents. And this | | | | phone's memory allowing you to keep dialing to a |
| doesn’t even take into account the thousands | | | | minimum. |
| of accidents that go unreported. | | | | 3. If you must dial when the car is moving, hold |
| Of course, drivers who are avid cell phone users | | | | the phone at eye level so you will have a clear |
| do take reports like these with a grain of salt. | | | | view of the road. |
| Wireless-phone proponents contend that talking on | | | | 4. Do not make emotional phone calls while driving. |
| a cell phone while driving is just as hazardous (or | | | | 5. Position your phone within easy reach. |
| non-hazardous) as, for instance, changing your | | | | 6. Suspend calls in heavy traffic or in bad weather |
| radio station or flipping from one CD to the next. | | | | — you need to focus even more under |
| And with the advent of hands-free phones | | | | hazardous conditions. |
| equipped with Bluetooth technology, it’s easy | | | | 7. Keep conversations short. Inform the person |
| to brush off the dangers of driving while talking | | | | you're calling that you are in a car, and hang up as |
| (on the phone) as a gross exaggeration. | | | | soon as possible. |
| There is no denying the advantages of carrying a | | | | 8. If possible, place calls when you are not moving. |
| cell phone in the car: you can call the office when | | | | Pull over where possible. |
| you’re running late, phone loved ones while | | | | 9. Ask a passenger to help. Have someone else |
| stewing in traffic, or call for roadside assistance in | | | | make or take the call. |
| case of engine or car trouble. | | | | It’s still a lot better to err on the side of |
| But just the same, the hazards brought about by | | | | safety. |