Verizon Wireless Asks Drivers to Put 'Safety First'

  Company Observes Wireless Safety Week With Free Hands-free Earbud Headsets

    PITTSBURGH, May 22 Verizon Wireless is taking its push for
responsible driving to a new level in central and western Pennsylvania during
Wireless Safety Week (May 21 through May 27).  In its continuing effort to
encourage drivers to put "safety first," the company is further supporting
hands-free phone use by giving away free earbud headsets in Verizon Wireless
Communications Stores during the "first hour" of store operations on Thursday,
May 24.

    "Any new or existing Verizon Wireless customer who visits one of our
stores May 24 during the designated 'safety first' hour -- the first hour of
operation at each store -- will receive a free earbud headset," explained Brad
Adams, Verizon Wireless' director of stores for Central and Western
Pennsylvania.  "Wireless Safety Week is a great opportunity to remind
individuals that responsible driving is a priority every day of the year.
Customers can check their local store for the opening time so they can take
advantage of receiving this free safety accessory."

    As part of the nationwide Wireless Safety Week, Thursday is designated as
Responsible Driving Day, an opportunity Verizon Wireless has seized to
heighten awareness of hands-free devices for using wireless phones.

    Verizon Wireless has taken a pro-active role in promoting responsible
driving by making headsets and voice-activation devices available at
affordable prices, through educating customers and offering safety tips, and
by supporting statewide legislation for hands-free phone use in many states.
Driving Safety with Your Wireless Phone

    In recognition of Wireless Safety Week, Verizon Wireless offers a few
year-round tips for using wireless phones both safely and for safety:

    *     When behind the wheel, safe driving is always your first
          responsibility.
    *     Dial your phone when your car is not in motion.
    *     Always use hands-free when driving and talking; when you turn your
          phone on, make sure your hands-free device is on and working.
    *     Preprogram important and frequently dialed numbers including home,
          baby-sitter and 911 so you can dial them by pressing only a few
          buttons.
    *     Never take notes or write down phone numbers while driving.  Pull
          off the road to a safe spot or leave yourself a message on your
          voice mail system.
    *     Know your wireless phone number so emergency personnel can call you
          back.  You may want to write it down and keep it in your car for
          quick reference.
    *     If traffic conditions warrant your undivided attention, turn your
          phone off and let calls go to Voice Mail or activate Call
          Forwarding.

    Wireless Phone Safety Reminders

    Wireless phones can be a link to emergency help, but users should remember
the following tips:

    *     Always carry your phone as a safety net to report highway accidents,
          or when you're lost or broken down, or to call for assistance.
    *     Check and charge your battery regularly - especially if your
          wireless phone is reserved for emergency use.  Consider a car
          adapter that can draw off the car's electrical system.
    *     As with all calls, when dialing 9-1-1, remember to press the SEND
          button for the call to go through.
    *     Know your wireless phone number, and have it written down in your
          car in case a passenger needs to summon assistance and must have
          the number for a call back.