May, 2000

Cell phone safety reminder

Doing two things at once isn’t such a big deal. We do it all the time ­ walking and talking, jogging and listening to music, or singing and dancing. But sometimes there are activities that require all of our attention, like driving.

All too often, motorists are trying to do more than just drive, and that’s when problems arise. In 1999 in Saskatchewan, there were 8,561 collisions where driver inattention was listed as a contributing factor. These collisions resulted in 44 fatalities, 2,742 injuries, and 6,664 incidents with property damage.

"Anything that distracts you from driving is dangerous," says Shannon Ell, SGI’s Supervisor of Traffic Safety Promotion. "We see a lot of accidents resulting from driver inattention, and with the growth in the cell phone industry, we suspect that one of the biggest distractions is talking on the phone while driving."

Ell says that safe driving should always be the top priority while on the road, and cellular phones can be lifesavers in emergency situations. To ensure a safe drive, Ell offers a few key tips to remember when using a cellular phone in your vehicle:

• use a hands-free unit

• become familiar with your phone and its features before you start driving

• don’t dial while driving ­ instead, wait until you’re at a red light or pull off the road

• be a good Samaritan by reporting emergencies and road hazards

• never take notes or look up phone numbers while driving

• tell the person you’re talking to that you are in a vehicle. That way you can avoid stressful or emotional conversations.

• as often as possible, pull over to a safe spot on the roadside to use your phone

Following these tips will contribute to a safe ride.

For more information, contact:
Shannon Ell
Supervisor, Traffic Safety Promotion
SGI Communications
Regina
(306) 775-6179

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