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Connecticut Motorists Need to Talk 'Hands-Free' Starting Saturday
WALLINGFORD, Conn., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Motorists in Connecticut have until this Saturday to get ready to comply with a new law requiring drivers to use hands-free devices when talking on their wireless phones. Starting October 1, 2005, motorists could face a $100 fine for talking on wireless phones without using hands-free devices.
Verizon Wireless reminds all wireless phone users to take steps now to comply with the law. Similar laws are already in effect in New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C. and Chicago.
"We believe educating drivers about how to use wireless phones responsibly while driving enhances road safety for everyone," said Bob Stott, Verizon Wireless New England regional president.
The company also offers some responsible driving tips:
* Remember -- safe driving is always your first responsibility when
behind the wheel.
* Activate your voicemail service if you haven't already, so you won't
miss a call if traffic conditions prevent you from answering the phone.
You can retrieve your messages later.
* Program important and frequently dialed numbers into your phone to take
advantage of speed dialing and voice dialing features on your phone.
* 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 or voice-memo-capable handset.
* Hands free devices like headsets allow you to keep both hands on the
wheel when you need to use your wireless phone. Verizon Wireless
headsets begin at $14.99 and fit many phone models, even those sold by
other providers.
Consumers have a number of choices available to help them comply with the new law. In addition to universally compatible headsets, phones with built-in speakerphones and voice-activated dialing are readily available. The phone can be fastened easily to a car's vent or visor and removed when you leave the vehicle. No installation or hard wiring is necessary.
Hands-free car kits, which provide a cradle for the phone and an external microphone, offer drivers another option for complying with the new law.
Over the past four years, Verizon Wireless has provided thousands of its driver education program kits to schools nationwide. Entitled vIQ for Vehicle Intelligence Quest, the kit contains a video and printed materials to help teach new drivers about wireless safety behind the wheel.
For more information on hands-free options, customers can visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store or review products and accessories at http://www.verizonwireless.com/.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 47.4 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: J. Abra Degbor, +1-781-481-1314, or Marcia Simon,+1-860-399-0191, both of Verizon Wireless
Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/
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