Verizon Wireless and Driving School Association of California Teach Students Safe Use of Wireless Phones While Driving

     DMV Certified Video From Verizon Wireless Supports Driver Education

    IRVINE, Calif., May 21 Verizon Wireless is partnering with
the Driving Schools Association of California (DSAC) to bring responsible
driving information to student drivers, who may use wireless phones in
automobiles.  As part of Verizon Wireless' nationwide consumer education
effort "Drive Responsibly.  Call with Care," the company developed a
curriculum package designed to teach young drivers that, when operating a
motor vehicle, their first responsibility is safe driving.
    Endorsed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the educational
video and printed materials are being provided free of charge to members of
the Driving School Association of California.  The program was unveiled in
California yesterday during the DSAC's continuing education seminar in
Van Nuys, which was attended by DSAC members, non-members and traffic violator
school representatives.
    "Verizon Wireless is making the Cellular Telephone Safety Test video and
printed materials available free to DSAC education programs throughout the
state," said Verizon Wireless Southern California Region President
Mike Finley.
    Produced to appeal to teenagers, the video uses seven scenarios to teach
responsible driving.  After viewing each scenario, the host reveals the
correct answer that would have resulted in the safest driving.  The end of the
video provides eight safety tips to reinforce responsible calling and driving.
The video and printed content is based on industry recommendations for safe
use of cellular telephones while in a vehicle, and is available to all DSAC
driving schools for free (up to two videos) by calling (949) 286-8151.
    "While wireless phones can be a valuable tool -- in contacting emergency
personnel or helping others in need -- we want to train tomorrow's drivers how
to use today's technology safely," said Verizon Wireless Northern California
Region President Ralph Martinez.
    "Wireless phones have become a way of life for many drivers," said
Robert Jay Stahl, past president, DSAC.  "And it is apparent that any number
of activities -- including eating, playing with the radio or CD, talking with
passengers, or irresponsible use of a wireless phone -- can distract a driver.
The time to start educating drivers about responsible phone use is when
they're students.  Our partnership with Verizon Wireless will help our
students develop safe, defensive driving habits."
    Verizon Wireless took an industry-leading position last month when the
company broke ranks with the rest of the wireless industry to support
statewide legislation in California that calls for hands-free use of wireless
phones while driving to improve both driver convenience and attentiveness.
In addition, the company launched a series of business initiatives last year
to make using wireless phones in a car easier and ultimately safer.
Specifically, these efforts are aimed at increasing the availability,
affordability, and awareness of hands-free technologies.  Verizon Wireless
retail stores carry the latest products, services and technologies to make
hands-free wireless calling available and affordable.

    About Verizon Wireless
    As the U.S. wireless industry leader, Verizon Wireless has made the
responsible use of in-vehicle wireless phones a top priority for the company
and its customers.  Verizon Wireless believes that its customers'
attentiveness to driving can be improved by using wireless service with
convenient hands-free technologies, such as headsets, earpieces and
voice-activated systems.  The company's mission is to put its strength behind
enhancing the availability, affordability, and awareness of hands-free
technologies.  This effort includes spearheading hands-free educational
programs among drivers and wireless users of all ages; mandating handset
manufacturers to ensure hands-free, voice-activated compatibility for their
handsets by 2002 or risk losing Verizon Wireless' business; selling earpieces
and headsets at low prices to encourage their use; and, when appropriate,
supporting statewide legislation that requires drivers to use hands-free
devices when conducting in-vehicle calls.

    About the Driving School Association of California
    Driving School Association of California offers driver instruction and
training for adults, teens, handicapped, and disabled persons.  The
Association is dedicated to improving driver safety through educating and
informing the public about it's related member services from driving schools
to corporate risk management.

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