Driving in British Columbia? Wear the Latest Fashion: Plantronics Headsets

Coming to British Columbia, Canada by car or plan to rent one here (which is the most practical way to see the place outside of Vancouver and Victoria) -- such as for the 2010 Winter Olympics? You may want to consider donning the latest fashion: a Plantronics Bluetooth-equipped headset that permits hands-free driving. The headset maker encourages visitors to prepare for the province’s new hands-free law by educating themselves on the options available and following a few simple safety tips.


As reported on TMCnet.com B.C.’s law enforcement authorities are now fining motorists $167 if they have wireless devices in the very hands that should be on the steering wheels. With rugged terrain, twisty roads and in Metro Vancouver and increasingly Victoria heavy traffic, not paying attention may mean the next call, if you can make it, will be via E-911 (see related story) followed by a costly ride courtesy of the B.C. Ambulance Service.

Here are Plantronics’ (News - Alert) headset tips:

--Try it out: Test your headset with your phone before you drive. Familiarize yourself with the headset’s controls and adjust the fit and volume. Make sure your headset and phone are connected and store your phone so it is out of your way but still accessible

--Get organized: Make sure frequently called numbers are programmed into your phone. Most phones have voice-dialing; be sure to use this feature so you can always keep both eyes on the road

--Set it up: Add headset preparation to your pre-driving checklist. Buckle your seatbelt, check your rearview mirror, and put on your headset and make sure it's connected to your phone before you drive

--Focus on the road: Always remember that driving safely is your first priority (Ed. Note: yes that means letting your passengers focus on the scenery). Only place and receive calls when it’s absolutely necessary

You can buy (and take back to the U.S. or to other parts of Canada that have similar laws, like Washington State and Ontario respectively) Plantronics Bluetooth headsets such as the Plantronics Voyager PRO and the Plantronics Discovery 975 headsets. Only remember to click off when going through Customs and security.

Best Buy now features a full line of Plantronics Bluetooth wireless headsets. Plantronics headsets can also be found at Wal-Mart, Bell Canada (News - Alert), FutureShop, Telus, and Staples locations in British Columbia and throughout Canada. Remember when you hear the words ‘loonie’ and ‘toonie’ the friendly staff are not referring to wayward tourists but to Canada’s $1 and $2 coins respectively.

(P.S. if you are here for the Olympics driving from Vancouver to Whistler is not allowed; you must take a bus)

“With more than 250,000 tourists expected to descend on the Vancouver area for the Olympics, drivers on unfamiliar roadways need to be aware of the law and how to prepare themselves,” explained Clay Hausmann, vice president of Corporate Marketing, Plantronics. “Complying with the law is easy because users have more options than ever before. Plantronics offers a broad portfolio of headsets that fit a wide range of preferences and budgets while providing the superior audio quality, comfort and style that consumers expect from Plantronics.”