Auto

Mobile Phones and Driving:
A Recipe for Disaster

Exercise caution when driving with a mobile phone

Avoid talking on the phone while driving, unless it's absolutely necessary. Whether it's on a hands-free or a hand-held device, talking on the phone while driving is a dangerous distraction. It takes your attention away from the road, where it belongs.

If you must use the phone while driving

If you choose to use a mobile phone when driving, follow these safety tips:

• Put your phone on voice mail before entering your vehicle. Return calls when you are stopped at a safe location.
• If it is absolutely necessary to use the phone while the car is in motion, have a passenger make the call for you. If that's not possible, at least move to the right lane to give yourself more room.
• Get to know your phone and its features. Know where key buttons are so you don't have to take your eyes off the road.
• Pay attention to the road. Don't take notes or look up phone numbers while driving. If you are reading an address book while driving, then you aren't watching where you are going.
• Use hands-free devices. Speaker phones and hands-free microphones are just some of the many accessories available today.
• Don't use your cell phone during hazardous conditions. Rain, snow or ice makes for treacherous driving. Your first responsibility is to the road.
• Avoid long social calls. Keep conversations short.
• If you must use your phone, do it at a safe time and place. Consider moving out of the flow of traffic to a safe place before you make the call, not on the side of the road. When dialing, choose the appropriate time and place.
• Don't text and drive.

One final note... Plan your conversation in advance and keep it short. Keep your mind on the drive.

See also

• Cell Phone Safety is Up to You
• New legislation for Ontario Drivers