April 14, 2016
U.S. Cellular offers tips for remaining hands-free, safe on the road
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and it’s safe to say distracted driving has become a relevant issue over the last few years deserving attention and education. With drivers both young and old on the streets, staying attentive on the road is more important than ever. In 2013, there were 3,154 deaths in relation to distracted driving. Distracted driving is not limited to using a mobile device, but also includes eating, drinking, grooming and talking to passengers. Smartphone devices, such as the iPhone 6s and the Galaxy S7, can be paired with wireless accessories to increase safety and maintain productivity on the road.
According to a U.S. Cellular survey, 43 percent of smartphone owners use their device while driving, and 34 percent of smartphone users get annoyed at others for doing so. That same survey also shows that 74 percent of those who use their phone while driving utilize a hands-free device such as a Bluetooth headset or in-car Bluetooth system.
“Safety is of utmost importance to U.S. Cellular and we feel confident wireless technology can enhance and simplify our everyday lives, creating a positive, safe driving experience,” said Nathan Waddell, director of Sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “Whether on-the-go or relaxing at home, safety precautions can be taken to ensure mobile devices keep users safely connected with friends and family nationwide.”
U.S. Cellular is recommending the following tips to stay attentive and safe at the wheel:
- Take away distractions: It is easy to be distracted by the phone buzzing in the console. If the noise is too disruptive, switch to the Do Not Disturb mode on the iPhone 6s during drive time. Friends and family will understand the commitment to limit distractions.
- Utilize accessories: With accessories such as the Plantronics Voyager Legend Bluetooth Headset, carrying on a conversation during a commute is easy and convenient.
- Prepare yourself beforehand: Enter the address into the GPS on a smartphone before hitting the road. Make sure to place your mobile device in a spot where directional prompting can be heard to prevent missing a turn.
- Enlist the help of passengers if it can’t wait: Remember, distracted driving not only affects personal safety, but also impacts the safety of others. Passengers can help if a message or phone call absolutely can’t wait. If driving alone, consider pulling off the road briefly to use a device.
- Make a family commitment: Make the commitment to not text and drive. With the popularity of texting, it is no surprise that 87 percent of smartphone owners text daily. U.S. Cellular’s Parent-Child agreement allows families to create a customizable contract with family members to make the conversation easier and clearer. The agreement focuses on safety and etiquette, even when it comes to bringing smartphones into the car.
¹ Between Nov. 12-21, 2015, a total of 735 online interviews were conducted among a nationally representative sample by Consumer Insights, in partnership with Maritz CX
About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by a high-quality network in big and small cities and rural communities, and currently, 99 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Champion in 2014 for the third time in four years. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.
