teleguy
Enthusiast
May 22, 2005, 9:03 AM
Post #1 of 1
(602 views)
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In a effort to get out ahead of the increasing number of cities that are passing laws restricting cell phone use in the car, Cingular is taking a proactive approach by promoting common sense safety measures.
At the same time, this draws attention to other distractions that can cause unsafe driving practices , besides cell phone use, such as radio and CD players, eating , etc.
Smart move by Cingular. Will folks get the connection?
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Cingular Wireless Announces Safe Driving Milestone in Support of Wireless Safety Week
10.3 Million New Drivers Educated on Distracted Driving Through Cingular's 'Be Sensible' Program
ATLANTA, May 18, 2005 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- In support of Wireless Safety Week (May 16-20), Cingular Wireless is proud to announce that its award-winning 'Be Sensible' teen driving video program has now reached 10.3 million new drivers across the U.S.
"Wireless Safety Week is a time when the entire industry is focusing on safe driving, but it is something Cingular is dedicated to every week of the year," said Steve Skinner, director of external affairs for Cingular Wireless. "We are proud that our 'Be Sensible' teen driving initiative has now reached more than 10 million new drivers with many more millions to come."
Since the inception of the 'Be Sensible' teen driving program in 2002, America's educators have used the "Be Sensible: Don't Drive Yourself to Distraction" video to teach new drivers how to identify and avoid driving distractions of all types. The 'Be Sensible' program includes a nine-minute classroom video, an educator's guide, an in-class poster and suggested classroom activities. The program also advocates that novice drivers avoid the use of wireless phones while driving.
Consumers who purchase Cingular phones are reminded to 'Be Sensible' each time they turn on their device through a power-up message that reads, "Be Safe. Be Courteous." Other reminders are conveyed through handset boxes, in- store collateral materials, and various safe driving initiatives throughout the year.
Senior education and safety administrators in twelve states (Maryland, Virginia, Maine, New York, Ohio, New Jersey, Kansas, Indiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi) have embraced the teen driving program and facilitated its distribution to teachers in their states.
Technical assistance for the 'Be Sensible' teen driving program was provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA), and the Driving School Association of the Americas (DSAA). Be Sensible Tips for New Drivers
Cingular offers new drivers the following tips on safe driving:
- Ask passengers to help by changing the CD or radio station, placing any
cell phone calls, or reading directions to you.
- If you don't have a passenger, wait until you come to a complete stop
at a red light or stop sign before changing the CD or radio station.
- If you must take or place a call, pull off the road into a safe, well-
lit area or let an incoming call go to voice mail.
- It's best not to eat and drive at the same time. If you're traveling
with someone, take turns driving while the passenger eats.
- Avoid stressful or emotional conversations while driving.
- Don't be a "rubbernecker." Let your passengers do the sightseeing
while you drive.
Educators can order a free VHS copy of the Be Sensible: Don't Drive
Yourself To Distraction course with educational guides by logging on to
http://www.cingular.com/be-sensible . Teens can also go to the Web site
to watch the video online.
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