Cell phones, and particularly smart phones, are considered one of the leading driver distractions. As a result, more and more communities are placing restrictions on drivers' use of cell phones. The following tips are offered to motorists with regard to cell phone use in vehicles.
- You should wait until the car trip is complete before placing a call. Your cell phone's voicemail feature should answer a call while you are driving.
- Absolutely essential calls should only be performed while stopped. However, it is not wise to pull over on the side of the road where a rear-end collision is possible. Instead, you should pull into a parking lot to perform this task
- The phone should be placed where it is easy to see and reach.
- You should take advantage of speed-dialing capabilities.
- You should never drive and talk on the cell phone during stressful, emotional, or complex discussions since the risk of an accident is heightened.
- You should consider using a hands-free cellular phone since some studies indicated that these are safer to use.
- You should never text message while driving.
Tips and ideas from IRMI
