Parrot Announces Its Support of Distracted Drivers Summit

Developer of hands-free devices for mobile phones sees dangers in hands-on texting and e-mailing

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sept. 28 -- Parrot, a global developer of hands-free devices for mobile phones, today announced its support for U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's Distracted Drivers Summit, scheduled for Sept. 30-Oct. 1. The Summit is intended to address the dangers of mobile phone text-messaging, e-mailing and other distractions behind the wheel.

Parrot noted that a 2008 study by Nationwide Insurance found 81 percent of cell phone owners acknowledged talking on phones while driving and that this trend is showing no signs of changing. Moreover, the study discovered that 20 percent of drivers in the United States send text messages while operating a car or truck.

"Under no circumstances should drivers be texting, sending e-mails, instant messaging or otherwise taking their hands off the wheel when on the road," Parrot's North American Director of Marketing & Communications, Kelly Zachos, asserted. "Parrot recommends that drivers either pull off the road when possible or use a hands-free, voice-activated system for mobile phone dialing and conversations. Research shows that it's our eyeballs that need to be alert, and diverting visual attention from the road can lead to split-second disaster."

Parrot, based in Paris, declared that the company is supportive of increasing awareness of the dangers that mobile phones can present to motorists when they use their hands to operate devices while in motion and is working to help improve safety for all drivers.

Parrot is among the global leaders in developing hands-free wireless devices for mobile phones that enable drivers to place and answer calls through a voice-activated system.

"We recognized both the importance and the potential hazards of hand-held mobile phones early on," said Zachos, "and have been working for 15 years to develop affordable, simple-to-use kits that make hands-free communication easy for drivers of cars, trucks, motorcycles and scooters."

During the Distracted Drivers Summit, senior transportation officials, elected officials, safety advocates, law enforcement representatives and academics will meet in Washington, D.C. to develop recommendations on ways to prevents distracted driving.

About PARROT

Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, stands on the cutting edge of innovation. The company was founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux as part of his determination to drive the inevitable breakthrough of mobile phones into everyday life by creating high-quality, user-friendly wireless devices for easy living. Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free systems on the market for cars, motorbikes and scooters, including wireless multimedia products geared towards audiovisual applications. In 2008, Parrot launched a new prestige line of high-end products bearing the hallmark of renowned artists. Parrot, headquartered in Paris, currently employs 450 people worldwide and generates 85% of its sales overseas.

  Parrot is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris since 2006.
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