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Verizon Wireless Supports Driver Education

29 November 2000

Verizon Wireless Supports Driver Education

      High School Curriculum Package Teaches Safe Use of Wireless Phones

    DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 28 Verizon Wireless today
introduced a curriculum package designed to teach young drivers that, when
operating a car, the first responsibility is safe driving.  The program was
unveiled at a press conference held during a drivers' education class at
Valley High School in West Des Moines.  The educational video and printed
materials are being sent free of charge to the Iowa Association of Safety
Education and in coming months to school districts throughout all states
served by Verizon Wireless' Northwest Area.
    "Verizon Wireless is making the Cellular Telephone Safety Test video and
printed materials available free to high school drivers' education programs
throughout the state," said Jim Christensen, direct sales manager for Verizon
Wireless in Central and Eastern Iowa.  "While wireless phones can be an
invaluable tool -- in contacting emergency personnel or helping others in need
-- we want to train tomorrow's drivers how to use today's technology safely."
    Produced to appeal to teenagers, the video uses seven scenarios to teach
safe driving and responsible wireless phone use.  In addition, eight safety
tips reinforce the video's message that responsible driving must be the first
priority.
    "We developed this program because wireless phones have become a way of
life for many drivers," said Christensen.  "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 the Iowa Association of Safety Education have agreed
to distribute the video and training materials.  The Automobile Association of
Minnesota/Iowa also supports the drivers' education program.  "The time to
start educating drivers about responsible phone use is when they're
teenagers," said Daron Van Helden, spokesman from AAA of Minnesota/Iowa.
"Verizon Wireless is making a difference by stepping up to train young drivers
that responsible driving is their main priority."
    Verizon Wireless took an industry-leading position earlier this year when
the company launched a series of business initiatives to make using wireless
phones in a car easier and ultimately safer. Specifically, these efforts are
aimed at increasing the availability, affordability, and awareness of
hands-free technologies. Verizon Wireless retail stores carry the latest
products, services and technologies to make hands-free wireless calling
available and affordable.
    The Northwest Area includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming,
Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and
North Dakota. The Verizon Wireless Driver's Education materials have been
distributed in Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Kansas and Missouri.