NHTSA Survey Reinforces CTIA's Call for Education on Distracted Driving

    WASHINGTON--July 23, 2001--The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a new survey on cell phone use by American drivers.
    In the survey NHTSA found that at any given time only 3 percent of drivers are actively using their wireless phones.
    "Today's survey confirms that education is a priority on the driver distraction issue," stated Dee Yankoskie, Manager for Wireless Education Programs of the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA). "If three percent of drivers are using phones, that clearly doesn't reach the threshold for legislation. It does emphasize the fact that drivers need to be educated on the myriad of distractions they face - from eating, changing a CD, talking to other passengers or talking on a wireless phone. Education is what can impact behavior across the board."
    The survey also found that 54 percent of drivers usually have a wireless phone in their vehicle with them - recognizing the inherent safety benefits.
    "In many cases, individuals - especially women - carry wireless phones for safety reasons," Yankoskie added. "Of all potential driver distractions, a wireless phone is the only one that could possibly save a driver's or someone else's life. All drivers should be encouraged to use their wireless phones safely and responsibly, but their safety benefits can not be overlooked."
    Former Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater reinforced the dual themes of education and safety on a June 26th "Burden of Proof" program on CNN.
    "The use of technology can be a very significant feature when it comes to 'MayDay technology' - giving emergency vehicles information about where you're located if you're involved in a crash and are incapacitated. The technology has an important role to play and we need to balance the safety concerns with the use of that technology for important purposes. Focusing on education is really the most important," Slater said.
    For the past three years, the wireless industry has led a national campaign to educate drivers on all distractions they face. The wireless industry encourages drivers who decide to use their phones behind the wheel to first ask themselves, "Is this the appropriate time to make a call?" And, "Will this call distract me from my first responsibility to drive safely?"
    Users are also encouraged to follow some basic dos and don'ts.

    1. Get to know your wireless phone and its features such as speed
    dial and redial.

    2. When available, use a hands free device.

    3. Position your wireless phone within easy reach. Let voicemail
    pickup the call if you can't easily reach your phone.

    4. Let the person you are speaking with know you are driving; if
    necessary, suspend the call in heavy traffic or hazardous
    weather conditions.

    5. Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving.

    6. Dial sensibly and assess the traffic; if possible, place calls
    when you are not moving or before pulling into traffic.

    7. Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may
    divert your attention from the road.

    8. Dial 9-1-1 or other local emergency number to report serious
    emergencies--it's free from your wireless phone!

    9. Use your wireless phone to help others in emergencies.

    10. Call roadside assistance or a special non-emergency wireless
    number when necessary.