Driving Safety Tips for Cell Phones

A cell phone can be a valuable tool for driving safety. The phone can enable a person to report a crime, a bad accident, life-threatening emergencies, or drunk drivers. When reporting an emergency situation on your cell phone, it is best to pull over so you or other drivers will not be at risk. Make sure “911” is programmed into your phone for reporting emergencies. You might consider assigning it to a speed dial number as well.

Safety Tips to Remember while Driving with a Cell Phone

Some important safety steps to take while driving is when you are driving alone turn your cell phone off before you start driving so you won’t be distracted by the ring. Tell friends and family to leave a voice mail message so you can return their call when it’s safe. Always keep both hands on the wheel.

Keep your cell phone within easy reach in case of an emergency. Never talk on the cell phone in heavy traffic or during hazardous weather conditions. If you have to make or receive a call while driving, pull over and park in a safe area and keep the doors locked. Always pre-program important numbers into your phone such as the cell phone numbers of relatives and friends. These will be available if you are in an accident and are unable to speak. Also, learn the location of buttons on your phone so you can dial without taking your eyes off the road.

If you are expecting a very important call and it has to be taken, let someone else go with you and drive, or let them take the call for you. Do not carry on a conversation that is stressful or causing you distraction. If you have to use a hands-free device, prepare everything before you start driving. If you have a holder for your phone, make sure the phone is secure and will not pop out while you are driving.

Safety Tips for Cell Phone Use in Company Vehicles

Companies with employees that must use their cell phone while driving should provide the worker with a hands-free device for their phone. Some companies offer driver safety training which includes demonstrating how and when the employee should use the cell phone.

If you are an employer, allow the employee to take the responsibility of paying any fines associated with the use of a cell phone. If the employee is found to be using a company cell phone for personal use or the phone becomes a distraction, you may need to warn the employee or ban the use of cell phones with that employee. It is up to the company to create a phone policy and make sure the policy is fair to everyone and is being enforced.

Remember, cell phones are a big part of our lives today. Using them safely when driving and wisely is a good habit for everyone.