AirTouch to Support Driver Education; High School Curriculum Package Teaches Safe Use of Cell Phones
3 March 2000
AirTouch to Support Driver Education; High School Curriculum Package Teaches Safe Use of Cell Phones
SALT LAKE CITY--March 3, 2000--AirTouch Cellular today introduced a curriculum package designed to teach young drivers that, when operating a car, the first responsibility is safe driving. The educational video and printed materials are being sent free of charge to approximately 116 schools throughout Utah."AirTouch, through its community relations program, is making the Cellular Telephone Safety Test video and printed materials available free to high school drivers' education programs throughout the state," said Jay Larsen, branch director for AirTouch in Utah. "While cellular phones can be an invaluable tool -- in contacting emergency personnel or helping others in need -- we want to help train young drivers how to use a cellular phone safely."
Produced to appeal to teenagers, the video uses seven scenarios to teach safe driving and responsible cell phone use. In addition, eight safety tips reinforce the video's message that safety is a driver's first responsibility.
"We developed this program because cellular phones have become a way of life for many drivers," Larsen explained. "And it is apparent that any number of activities -- including eating, playing with the radio or CD, talking with passengers, or irresponsible use of a wireless phone -- can distract a driver. We hope this program will help drivers develop good habits and an awareness of the need to focus on their main responsibility: safe driving."
Representatives from Freeway Watch and the Utah Driver Traffic Safety Education Association support AirTouch's new program. "Freeway Watch is focused on preventing accidents through education programs," said Suzanne Peterson of Freeway Watch. "AirTouch's driver's safety video truly compliments our efforts, and I applaud AirTouch for proactively addressing the issue."
Calvin Clayton, president of the Utah Driver Traffic Safety Education Association said, "The time to start educating drivers about responsible phone use is when they're teenagers. AirTouch is making a difference by stepping up to train young drivers that safe driving is their first responsibility."
AirTouch is sending the Cellular Telephone Safety Test program free to traffic safety education coordinators in 116 schools throughout Utah. Districts desiring more copies of the materials can order them free of charge via a postcard in the original package. The program, which was introduced last year in Washington, will be rolled out this year to school districts throughout the states served by AirTouch's Western Region.
AirTouch serves more than 9.5 million U.S. cellular customers and PCS customers on a proportionate basis. Its ventures operate in 25 states and 22 of the top 30 U.S. markets. AirTouch's Western Region includes the states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. AirTouch is part of Vodafone AirTouch Plc, the world's largest wireless communications firm, based in the United Kingdom.