Safe Driving And Mobile Phones

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27th December 2009, 10:12am - Views: 862





People Feature Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association 1 image



MEDIA RELEASE


Whether racing or using his mobile, V8 star Craig Lowndes

decides when the moment is right


December 27, 2009: Using a mobile phone while driving on the street or

passing on a racetrack’s main straight have one thing in common – you

have to pick the right moment carefully, says champion V8 Supercar

driver Craig Lowndes.


Mr Lowndes, three-time Australian Touring Car champion and four-time

Bathurst 1000 winner, today launched some new driving tips for the safe

use of mobiles phones during the holidays.


“When I am on the racetrack I know there are some places too dangerous to pass. When I am

on the road I also know that it’s not appropriate to use my legal hands-free mobile phone in all

circumstances because I have to concentrate 100% on what I am doing,” he said.


“We want drivers to make safety their most important call this Christmas.”


Mr Lowndes, who drives for Team Vodafone, has joined the Australian Mobile

Telecommunications Association (AMTA) to inform motorists about safe driving and mobile

phone use during the holiday period. 


He said the following five golden rules are designed to assist drivers stay safe over the holiday

driving season:


1.

Never use a hand-held mobile: They are illegal. You must use a hands-free kit or

portable hands-free device. Some states also require you to place the phone in a

commercially-designed cradle.


2.

Never look up phone numbers, the Internet or send emails or SMS: Always keep

both eyes on the road and do not read or send SMS text messages or look at the

internet. If required, use a directory assistance service to connect you directly to the

number. Set your phone up to use short one-button dialling or voice-activated dialling.


3.

Do not call in heavy traffic, poor road conditions or bad weather: Don’t accept or

make calls if traffic or road conditions make it unsafe. Even when traffic is light tell the

person you are speaking to that you are driving and may end the call if conditions

change.


4.

Do not engage in complex or emotional conversations: If a call becomes complex

or emotional suspend the call. Complex and emotive conversations on a mobile or with

passengers and driving don’t mix because they are distracting and dangerous.


5.

Plan your trip – Always preset GPS and try to make calls when stationary: Plan

your trip and always preset your GPS software before you start and use turn-by-turn

voice guidance (in those States that allow drivers to use GPS phones). Try to make

calls when stationary or during rest breaks in long trips.


AMTA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Althaus, said the mobile telecommunications industry

was very pleased to have a driver of Mr Lowndes’ skill and experience giving drivers practical

advice on the dos and don’ts of mobile phones this summer.


“We stress that although a hands-free device can reduce the physical effort to make and

receive calls, drivers have to carefully pick their moment and should avoid making calls in

adverse traffic, road or weather conditions and avoid complex or emotional conversations,” he

said.



For more information contact Randal Markey, AMTA, 0421 240 550






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