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 How to Use your Cell Phone Safely while on the Road  
This article talks about the safety issues surrounding cell phone use when driving. It also discusses the effectiveness of hands-free kits. Studies show that responses are 50% slower than normal when using a mobile phone. Here are some valuable tips.

By Roberto Sedycias

Modern life means that a cell phone is a basic requirement. The user can be contacted at any time, can get assistance in an emergency, and can stay in touch with anyone when anywhere on the globe. Travel plays an important role in mobile phone use, particularly in the world of business.

Excellent business deals can be negotiated while on the move, and there need never be another office crisis. It is generally agreed that the mobile phone has a positive impact on modern life. However, cell phone usage can also have its down side.

To use a cell phone while driving is extremely dangerous, yet many people choose to drive and make or answer calls. It is important that people become more aware of the effects of using a phone while driving to help prevent further accidents.

The importance of the matter is slowly being reflected in laws, with outcomes ranging from fines, to detrimental effect upon licenses, and even imprisonment. Some countries allow the user to call emergency numbers. If a driver is thought to have used a mobile phone while in an accident, they can be prosecuted for dangerous driving.

Using a cell phone while driving makes the driver four times more likely to be involved in an accident. This means that they are four time more likely to injure or kill themselves or another person. Recent research has revealed that using a mobile phone while driving is even more dangerous than drinking while driving. Studies show that responses are 50% slower than normal when using a mobile phone, and 30% worse than under the influence of alcohol. The reason behind this is distraction. Using a cell phone creates visual, auditory, physical, and mental distractions.

Distractions to this degree have a series of possible effects. When using a cell phone, a driver is less likely to notice road signs, is more likely to drive too close to others, finds it difficult to maintain a regular speed, and therefore displays erratic driving. Using a mobile phone can mean many things - it is not just restricted to voice calls. Cell phone usage also includes reading or responding to text messages, logging onto the Internet, viewing photos, and using the phone camera.

Hands-free kits were invented to counteract the problem of driving using cell phones. However, recent studies have shown hands-free phone accessories dangerous as well. A hands-free kit is equally distracting, and though it is not prohibited in many countries, it should not really be used. If it is absolutely necessary, a hands-free call should be kept brief, and any emotionally stressful or distracting conversations should be ended immediately. Although the hands-free kit is allowed, it can still be used as evidence to prosecute if considered a cause for a road accident.

To stay safe, the best action you can take is to obey all laws and never use your cell phone while driving. This includes using it to look up numbers or check the time. A momentary lapse in concentration could have fatal results. Turn your mobile phone off and use the voicemail messaging facility, as this encourages you to check and use it only when safely parked. Remember, even if you are in slow-moving, heavy traffic, do not use your cell phone; weather conditions and unexpected events can still cause an accident.

Leave any received texts until later, and never try to send one while driving. Pull over if any text or call is vital. If you use your mobile device for work, then make use of use government guidelines. The increased problem of driving while using cell phones has caused government initiatives and information services to spring up all over the world. Finally, be equally vigilant with others; hang up if you call someone who is driving.

This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However, the author's name and all the URLs (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.


About the Author:

This article can also be accessed in Portuguese from the Article section of www.polomercantil.com.br/celular.php. Roberto Sedycias works as an IT consultant for www.PoloMercantil.com.br. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com)

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  Article added 08/30/07.

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