Wireless Industry Reminds Drivers to Put Safety First This Fourth of July Holiday

WASHINGTON--June 30, 2004--During one of the summer's busiest driving holidays, CTIA - The Wireless Association(TM) reminds drivers that safety is always their first responsibility behind the wheel.

Independence Day weekend is one of the most popular holidays for Americans to take to the roadways - to visit friends, family, and tourist locations around the country. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that over 39 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, up 3.4% from last year. Over 34 million travelers (87% of all holiday travelers) expect to go by motor vehicle, a 3% increase from last year.

"Road trips are a great American tradition. But drivers face many distractions in the car - from lunch on the go, to kids in the back seat, to changing the radio or CD," said Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA - The Wireless Association. "For years, the wireless industry has worked hard to educate drivers on the range of distractions they face, and to remind them that safety is always their first responsibility. That means using a wireless phone wisely, and recognizing when it's not the right time to make a call - in heavy traffic, in bad weather, in unfamiliar territory, or when the conversation might be stressful or emotional."

"We also want to remind drivers that wireless phones can save lives," added Largent. "Every day more than 200,000 wireless calls are made to emergency services - that's about 140 calls per minute. Many of those are from drivers who are calling for help, or are assisting others in an emergency situation."

CTIA also reminds drivers in the District of Columbia and the state of New Jersey to use hands-free devices with their wireless phones to comply with hands-free laws that go into effect Thursday, July 1.

For more information on the wireless industry's educational campaign "Safety, Your Most Important Call" and other useful safe driving research and resources, please visit www.ctia.org/wireless_consumers/driving_safety/index.cfm.


                     TOP 10 TIPS FOR SAFE DRIVING

1.     Get to know your wireless phone's features, such as speed dial 
       and voice activation.
2.     When available, use a hands free device.
3.     Position your wireless phone within easy reach before you 
       leave.
4.     Let voicemail take your call if you can't reach your phone, or 
       if driving in difficult conditions.
5.     Let the person you are speaking with know you are driving, and 
       suspend your call if necessary.
6.     Dial sensibly.  Place calls when stopped or before pulling into
       traffic.
7.     Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations while 
       driving.
8.     Dial 9-1-1 or other local emergency numbers to help others or 
       yourself.
9.     Do not look up phone numbers or take notes while driving.
10.    Realize there are times you should not call while driving - in 
       hazardous weather conditions, in heavy traffic or on unfamiliar
       roadways.

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.