Drivers Should Make Wireless Phones Their No. 1 Safety Device
25 May 1999
Sprint, QUALCOMM and CTIA Team Up to Remind Drivers to Make Wireless Phones Their No. 1 Safety Device
LOS ANGELES--May 24, 1999--Prior to Memorial Day Weekend
Sprint, QUALCOMM Inc. and the Cellular Telephone Industry Association (CTIA) have teamed up to spread the message: "Safety is your most important call while driving."
CTIA has designated May 24-30 as Wireless Safety Week. Together, Sprint PCS and QUALCOMM will remind drivers that along with the clear advantage of using a digital phone from QUALCOMM with Sprint PCS service in one's car, the responsibility of being a safe driver comes first and foremost.
The industry partners also want to remind users that a wireless phone is a safety tool for calling 911 and reporting emergencies.
"We purposely plan Wireless Safety Week just before Memorial Day Weekend and the start of heavy summer travel to remind drivers about the importance of safety while on the roads," said Tom Wheeler, president of CTIA.
Sprint PCS will challenge its customers to make the commitment to safe driving by asking them to pick up a wireless safety brochure. The brochures, which feature 10 safety tips, will be available in all of the nearly 200 Sprint PCS centers nationwide.
Each brochure will have an entry form allowing customers to enter a sweepstakes with winners receiving such prizes as a trip for two to an Indy Racing League race and digital phones by QUALCOMM with Sprint PCS service.
To complement its efforts in Sprint PCS centers, the company will again team with Indy Racing League veteran Arie Luyendyk, two-time Indy 500 champion. The 1999 Indianapolis 500 will mark the 167th and final race of Luyendyk's 26-year career, and he's dedicating his final race in the name of safety and safe drivers everywhere. His picture will appear on posters and the safe driving brochure.
"Wireless Safety Week is the perfect opportunity to make it clear to wireless users that when it comes to using a wireless phone in your car, safety is your most important call," said Rod Egdorf, Sprint PCS Los Angeles area vice president. "We're proud to provide wireless service for everyday and everyone, and want to continue to remind users of their responsibility to drive safely."
Some tips provided in the brochure for drivers to keep in mind while using wireless phones include:
-- Get to know your wireless phone and its features
-- When possible, use a hands-free device
-- Position your phone within easy reach
-- If necessary, suspend calling in heavy traffic or adverse weather
conditions
-- Don't take notes or look up phone numbers while driving
-- If possible, place calls when you are not moving or pulling into
traffic
-- Dial 911 to report serious emergencies -- it's free on your
Sprint PCS phone
Sprint PCS also will remind customers of safety tips through bill inserts on its Web site, www.sprintpcs.com.
"Wireless phones are a wonderful convenience for business and family," said Rodney Slater, U.S. Secretary of Transportation. "However, it is important to make safety your first priority when using a wireless phone while driving. We strongly encourage you to follow the wireless safety tips provided by Sprint PCS and QUALCOMM."
In addition to following these tips, consumers should look for special features on their wireless phones that allow them to stay focused on the road at all times. QUALCOMM phones with Sprint PCS service offer advanced features that support user safety such as caller ID, voicemail and one-touch dialing.
There is another clear advantage to using a QUALCOMM phone with Sprint PCS service on the road. Motorists have the ability to make phone calls in an emergency, report a crime or request roadside assistance.
According to CTIA, the leading national wireless industry association, more than 98,000 wireless calls are placed to 911 and other emergency operators each day in the United States. 911 calls are free to Sprint PCS users.
"Tens of millions of people across the United States today take advantage of the unique combination of safety offered by the wireless telephone," said Wheeler. "When using a wireless telephone, people must remember their first responsibility is to use the phone safely.
"We support the efforts of Sprint PCS and QUALCOMM to deliver this essential message to their customers, and through such events as Wireless Safety Week, the wireless industry hopes this message will continue to reach the growing number of wireless users."
About Sprint PCS
Sprint PCS operates the largest 100 percent digital, 100 percent PCS nationwide wireless network in the United States, already serving the majority of the nation's metropolitan areas including more than 4,000 cities and communities across the country.
Sprint PCS has licensed PCS coverage of nearly 270 million people in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, visit the Sprint PCS Web site at http://www.sprintpcs.com. Sprint PCS is a wholly owned tracking group of Sprint Corp. trading on the NYSE under the symbol "PCS."
Sprint is a global communications company at the forefront in integrating long distance, local and wireless communications services and one of the world's largest carriers of Internet traffic.
Sprint built and operates the United States' only nationwide all-digital, fiber optic network and is the leader in advanced data communications services. Sprint has $17 billion in annual revenues and serves more than 17 million business and residential customers.
About QUALCOMM
With headquarters in San Diego, QUALCOMM develops, manufactures, markets, licenses and operates advanced communications systems and products based on its proprietary digital wireless technologies.
The company's primary product areas are the OmniTRACS(R) system (a geostationary satellite-based, mobile communications system providing two-way data and position reporting services), CDMA wireless communications systems and products, and, in conjunction with others, the development of the Globalstar(TM) low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications system.
Other company products include the Eudora Pro(R) electronic mail software, ASIC products, and communications equipment and systems for government and commercial customers worldwide. For more information on QUALCOMM products and technologies, visit the company's Web site at http://www.qualcomm.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including timely product development, the company's ability to successfully manufacture significant quantities of CDMA or other equipment on a timely and profitable basis and those related to performance guarantees, change in economic conditions of the various markets the company serves, as well as other risks detailed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended Sept. 28, 1997, and most recent Form 10-Qs.
Note to Editors: QUALCOMM is a registered service mark and registered trademark of QUALCOMM Inc. OmniTRACS and Eudora Pro are registered trademarks of QUALCOMM Inc. Globalstar is a trademark of Loral QUALCOMM Satellite Services Inc.