OTTAWA – The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association today launched a Web site, FocusOnDriving.ca, aimed at raising driver awareness of distractions that can jeopardize road safety.
The site makes visitors aware of how easy it is to be distracted behind the wheel, and gives tips to avoid the distractions.
Besides talking on cell phones, drivers can commit other potentially dangerous acts, such as eating and drinking, reading or writing, doing personal grooming, minding children, talking with passengers, smoking, adjusting the car stereo, and minding pets.
Among the site’s tips for minimizing distractions from wireless devices:
– Never use wireless data services such as text messaging, Web browsing, or email while operating a vehicle.
– Avoid unnecessary calls on your cell phone. Allow your voice mail to answer a call if traffic is heavy or driving conditions are poor.
If you must make or receive a call:
– Keep conversations brief and avoid engaging in stressful or emotional conversations. Advise the person to whom you are speaking that you are driving and, if necessary, suspend the call or safely pull off the road.
– Be familiar with handset or handsfree features such as speed dial, redial, and voice-activated functions. Program frequently dialled numbers on your handset.
– When dialling manually, dial only when stopped, or have a passenger dial for you. Consider using a handsfree device to make it easier to keep both hands on the wheel. Ensure that the handsfree device is in place before operating a vehicle.
