MSN Carpoint.com Fast Facts Survey Reveals 47 Percent of Consumers Support Banning Handheld Cell Phone Use While Driving

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Microsoft company logo. (PRNewsFoto)[PM]
REDMOND, WA USA 08/22/2000
   June 2001 Results Also Indicate Consumers Are Willing to Try Safer Ways
                       Of Using Cellular Phones in Cars

    REDMOND, Wash., July 3 The MSN(R) Carpoint(TM) service,
the most visited car-buying and car-ownership site on the Web, today announced
the key findings of its June 2001 survey, revealing that 47 percent of
respondents feel that operating a cellular phone while driving without a
hands-free accessory should be illegal.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )
    The MSN Carpoint.com Fast Facts survey found that while 62 percent of
those surveyed have not used a hands-free accessory, 54 percent would be
willing to use one.  In addition, 25 percent of respondents classified their
level of cellular phone use while driving as moderate to high, and 25 percent
said that using a cellular phone while driving has caused them to lose their
concentration on the road.  Twenty-eight percent of consumers indicated that
they felt they have been put at risk of being in a crash as the result of
another person using a cellular phone while driving.  Ironically, 99 percent
of the respondents said they have never been in or caused a crash while using
a cellular phone.
    "In a matter of seconds, a distracted driver can put himself or herself
and others at risk," said Ann Job, consumer editor of Carpoint.com.  "It's
encouraging that so many consumers recognize this danger and are interested in
hands-free accessories.  But ultimately, the best way to lower the risk of
distractions is for the driver to concentrate fully on the road."
    When asked to classify the most distracting activities they have performed
while driving, 64 percent picked changing their clothes, followed by applying
make-up or shaving and reading or writing.
    New York recently became the first state to outlaw the use of hand-held
cellular phone use while driving, and 41 other states are considering similar
legislation aimed at reducing the number of accidents.
    MSN Carpoint.com Fast Facts is a monthly online survey conducted via
Carpoint.com that provides consumers with feedback on car-related topics.  The
June 2001 survey was derived from a sample of more than 850 Carpoint.com
users.

    About Carpoint
    Launched in October 1995, Carpoint (http://www.carpoint.com/) is the
leading online automotive marketplace, visited by more than 7 million
consumers each month.  From product reviews and surround video features to
new- and used-car pricing, Carpoint helps consumers find the car they love, at
a price they can afford.  With details on more than 10,000 car models and
100,000 used vehicles, visitors can research and compare cars of virtually
every make and model, identify local dealers, and receive instructions for
post-purchase service and maintenance.  With a network of more than
5,000 affiliated dealers nationwide, Carpoint generates more than $8 billion
in auto sales each year and is exclusively endorsed by the
American International Automobile Dealers Association.

    About Microsoft
    Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in
software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business
computing.  The company offers a wide range of products and services designed
to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any
device.

    NOTE:  Microsoft, MSN and Carpoint are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the
trademarks of their respective owners.