Cell Phone Etiquette

With over 80 million cellphones in use, many drivers operate them routinely while behind the wheel. Having a cellphone can save life when medical personnel must be called after an accident. In ordinary, day to day living, cell phones are an important, effective tool if used in a safe and appropriate way. It is best not to use them while you drive. If you must talk, it will be helpful if you aren't looking down at it instead of the road!

Take the time to get to know your phone.
Know how to use your phone, and the tools such as lists, redial, automatic answer, and speakerphone. Carefully and immediately read your instruction manual and learn how to take advantage of the convenient features modern cell phones offer. Likewise, try to memorize the number pad so you'll be ready to use the speed dial function without taking your attention off the road.

Please keep your attention focused on the road.
People sometimes try to look up phone numbers, or read directions or dial lengthy numbers while they drive. Also, a lot of people have accidents while trying to do these very same things. Don't give up safety for convenience. It is pure common sense. Don't get in an accident because of reading or dialing a cellular phone, instead of watching the road and traffic.

Dial only when it is safe to do so.
If possible, place calls when you are stationary, preferably before pulling onto the roadway. Try to plan any calls before putting the key in the ignition, and maybe the call you need to make can hold until the next red light. Some people will try to dial while driving, but it's not suggested under any circumstances! Those who do would dial only a few numbers, check traffic, the roadway, and their mirrors, then continue. Don't even try dialing a 10 digit number, then dialing your account number, and choosing keys from a menu. You could become a sad car phone statistic if you do.

Do not try to carry on with an emotionally stressful call.
Emotionally charged phone calls and operating a vehicle just don't mix. Have you ever seen how someone totally forgets what they are doing when someone distracts them? Don't let anyone distract your attention from the road or your personal safety.

Does the cellular phone have a hands free mode?
Some models allow the phone to be set to pick up after a certain number of rings. Use a hands free device if you can. If not, there are a number of accessories that will turn your wireless into a handsfree wireless. Many are under US$ 40. There are permanently installable devices, which can be mounted to the car. They often act as a base station for your cell phone, and will charge it while you sleep at night. It will detach to come with you when you want. Nice part about these wireless nests... the phone is always in the same spot which means you don't have to take your eyes off the road.

Put your cellphone in the same spot, where it's easy to get.
When you do put it in the same spot, easy to get, you won't be looking for it while you drive! Please be sure to place your wireless device within an easy grab and where it'll be found without removing ones eyes from the road.

Suspend conversation during hazardous conditions.
If you're driving and it's thick traffic, or icy, or foggy conditions, and the phone rings, tell 'em you'll call back, or let voice mail get it. If you pick up the phone, let the person you are speaking to know you are driving. It may be best to just call the person when you aren't operating a car. In driving, your first responsibility should be to drive safely.

Pull over.
If there is a safe place to do so, you really are best off to pull over. Don't forget to use your signal, and obviously, don't pull over in an area in which to do so is illegal or unsafe. If you have a passenger, an even safer substitute would be to have that person take the call for you.

Cellphones save lives.
A wireless phone is a super fantastic tool for family protection in hazardous situations. The life saved may not be your own. Many newspaper accounts depict heroes whose heroism and lifesaving skill was knowing how to dial 911. It's always a free call on your cellular phone! A good rule of thumb is to call 911 as you would want others to do for you. Auto accidents with obvious injuries, violent crime in progress, fires, and other life threatening emergencies should result in a call to 911. Vehicles needing a tow or similar assistance, minor accidents, trees down in the road or dysfunctioning traffic lights are all reportable to local non emergency numbers. Lend a hand, by using your cell phone to get any of these situations into the hands of trained personnel.