From Headsets To Roadside Assistance, Verizon Wireless' Tips Keep Texas Travelers Safe On The Road This Season

From Headsets To Roadside Assistance, Verizon Wireless' Tips Keep Texas Travelers Safe On The Road This Season

Verizon Wireless Urges Holiday Travelers to Drive Responsibly

November 27, 2002
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TEXAS
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Before loading the family, gifts and holiday spirit into the car, a majority of travelers will reach for their wireless phones to accompany them on the journey over the winter roads in Texas. Verizon Wireless is helping to ensure safe travel by encouraging travelers to drive responsibly and use the following tips.

Safety Gear

Hands-free devices such as headsets and earpieces help drivers keep their eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel. Wireless phones equipped with headsets make it safer to check in with the in-laws to report delays or to check on road and weather forecasts.

The new JABRA FreeSpeak headset, now available from Verizon Wireless and made possible by Bluetooth technology, is the ultimate in hands-free wireless equipment this season. FreeSpeak headsets deliver a cord-free connection with a wireless phone from up to 30 feet away. For phones equipped with voice-activated dialing, most users can place or receive a call without having to touch their phone.

Remember to bring along an extra charged phone battery for longer road trips and a vehicle charger so that access to communication will never be lost, especially in the event of an emergency.

Help Others

Wireless phones provide the perfect opportunity to do a good deed this season; use your phone to help others in emergencies. According to the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association, nearly 140,000 wireless calls are made to 9-1-1 each day.

For non-emergency roadside assistance, travelers can always rely on *DPS. If you find yourself or someone else stranded with car problems or in hazardous road conditions, dial *DPS. The call is free of airtime charges anywhere in Texas and will reach the Texas Department of Public Safety who can ensures that responsive and appropriate assistance is dispatched to the scene.

Common Sense Tips

Cautious wireless behavior within your car also will ensure a safe, enjoyable trip for you and your family or friends. Verizon Wireless suggests some additional tips:

• When behind the wheel, safe driving is always your first responsibility.
• Dial your phone when your car is not in motion.
• Always use a hands-free device when driving and talking. When you turn your phone on, make sure your device is on and working
• Pre-program important and frequently dialed numbers, including home and babysitter, so you can dial them by pressing only a few buttons.
• Never take notes or write down phone numbers while driving. Rather, pull off the road to a safe spot or leave yourself a message on your voice mail system.
• If traffic conditions warrant your undivided attention, turn your phone off, and let calls go to Voice Mail or activate Call Forwarding.

Additional tips and information on what customers can do to drive responsibly can be found on the Verizon Wireless Web site at http://www.verizonwireless.com/jsp/aboutus/wireless_issues/driving.jsp.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 31.5 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.

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