Cell Safety Tops List During Canadian Wireless Safety Week

Safe use of cellular phones while travelling is the focus of Canadian Wireless Safety Week that bows in Monday.
Canada’s wireless telecommunications industry reminds all travellers, cottagers and vacationers that responsible driving is the key to a safe and healthy season. With more people on the highways in the summer months, safety must be the number one priority for everyone behind the wheel.
The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) is using Wireless Safety Week, running from June 3 to 7, as an opportunity to remind drivers that their wireless devices are an invaluable safety tool but must always be utilized responsibly. In addition, drivers must always be aware of distractions of all kinds, including other passengers, the car stereo and consuming food or drink.
When using your phone on the road, remember that safety is your most
important call. Follow these CWTA safety rules:
– Always buckle up, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
– Use a hands-free device to make it easier to keep both hands on the wheel.
– When dialing manually, dial only when stopped. Or, have a passenger dial for you.
– Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may divert your attention from the road.
– Program frequently called numbers into the speed dial feature of your phone for easy, one-touch dialing, or use auto answer or voice-activated dialing services (when available).
– Never take notes while driving. Safely pull off the road if you need to write something down.
– Let voice mail pick up your calls when it’s inconvenient, unsafe to answer the phone or driving conditions become hazardous.

Recognizing the valuable function of cell phones, the CWTA is also asking Canadians to share their stories in which they used their cell phones to assist in an emergency situation. Submissions can be e-mailed to info@cwta.ca.