Driver distraction has become an increasing debate among lawmakers, with Congress likely to consider legislation soon that would ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving-nationwide. Such legislation would put a damper on the futuristic plans of the automotive and cellular industries to put high-tech, consumer friendly electronics in the car. The cell phone has already fallen prey to similar laws in New York and other municipalities around the United States where talking on a phone, without the aid of a hands-free device, while driving is illegal.
Recognizing the potential distractions cell phones pose to drivers, Cingular Wireless L.L.C. has enacted its Be Sensible safety campaign to promote safe wireless phone use while driving. Cingular’s program includes a teen driver education platform and an initiative geared toward educating adults on safe driving.
The carrier’s teen driver education program has been used in 10,000 high schools and 2,100 professional driving schools, reaching more than 3 million novice drivers, according to Cingular. The carrier said 85 percent of educators who have used the program believe it taught students to manage or eliminate distractions. The program, dubbed “Be Sensible: Don’t drive yourself to distraction,” advocates foremost that inexperienced drivers not talk on wireless phones at all while driving. It also offers tips on when a phone call may be most distracting, including in inclement weather, during an emotional conversation or while driving in an unfamiliar area or car. The program further offers tips on minimizing those other driving distractions.
The student program, which was developed with assistance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the American Driver & Traffic Safety Education Association and the Driving School Association of the Americas, includes a video, classroom posters and an educator’s guide, and is available to teachers for free at www.be-sensible.com. It has been mandated for use in all state-run driver education programs in Maryland and has been endorsed for use in Virginia, Maine, New York, New Jersey and Ohio.
Cingular’s adult education initiative also consists of tips on using wireless devices safely, delivered through various channels to reach drivers throughout the United States. Some of those distribution channels include: a national partnership with car rental company Avis to address driver distraction; Cingular-sponsored NASCAR driver Robby Gordon has been included in public service announcements promoting safe driving; Be Sensible campaign literature has been distributed from awareness tents along major interstates during high-traffic periods; advertising on maps of the New Jersey Turnpike and billboards on the Florida Turnpike promote sensible driving; and customers receive bill stuffers with safe driving tips.
