(NAPSA)—A growing number of motorists—including those who use their phones, tend to children For more information, check out the “SenseAble driving” Web site at www.senseabledriving.com. or eat while driving—are getting SenseAble Driving Tips the message about the potential risks of driving while distracted. Experts say the number of es Able wireless phone subscribers in the United States has grown from five million in 1990 to more than 100 million today. While cellular phones and drivingga @ other in-vehicle communication devices bring value, if they are not used responsibly they can add to the array of activities that can A new safety program is meant to put the brakes on distracted driving. way Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver distractions— which include eating, talking and series of steps GM has taken to encourage safe operation of its distract drivers. According to the National High- other actions—account for an esti- mated 25 percent of the 6.3 million vehicle crashes reported to police each year. In 1997, NHTSA investigated whether a reported increase in cell phone use resulted in more car crashes. The group concluded there is a relationship between cell phone use and crashes, but could not say to what extent. Recent reports of highway tragedies involving drivers using hand-held cell phones have heightened concerns and promptedlegis- lators to take action. More than 100 bills have been introduced in 37 states aimed at cell phone use in moving vehicles and regulators The program is the latest in a vehicles. In 1996, for example, the car maker pioneered OnStar, an in- vehicle safety and security communications system that is fully embeddedin the vehicle. The sys- tem uses a Global Positioning System satellite network and cellular technology to connect dri- vers to an OnStar advisor 24- hours-a-day with the push of just one button. New GM services geared toward limiting driver distraction include Personal Calling—which allows subscribers to use speech recognition technology to place hands-free, voice-activated calls— and Virtual Advisor, a system that are calling for more research. lets subscribers access personalized Internet-based information in tiative called “SenseAble driving.” ner while they are on the road. The company is partnering with the Michigan office of Secre- In response to increased concerns, General Motors is sponsoring a three-year, $10-million iniThe program combines research, technology and education to get the message out to drivers that hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and mind onthe drive is the foundation for safe driving. a hands-free, voice-activated man- tary of State to distribute safe-dri- ving information to the state’s 6.9 million licensed drivers. Following a six-month pilot, the car maker hopes to roll out the Michigan model to additional states. Keep your EYESon the road, e |f you use a cellular phone,try to use a hands-free model. Never take notes or look up a phone numberwhile driving. Try fo use memorydialing or directory assistance while making calls from the car. Don’t use any phone in demanding traffic situations. Designate a front-seat passengerfo serve as ‘co-pilot’ to avoid fumbling with mapsor unfamiliar navigation systems. Keep your HANDSonthe wheel, Program yourfavorite stations into the radio for easy access. e Arrange tapes and CDsin an easy-toreach spot. Wait until the vehicle is stopped before retrievingitemsthatfall to the floor. Avoid tending to kids while driving. Pull into a parkinglot or other safe area to dealwith the problem. Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or cage. If you eat while driving, choose easy-tohandle items and makesureall drinks are secured in cup-holders. And your MIND onthe drive! Teen drivers are especially vulnerable to distractions. Avoid letting them carry large numbers of passengers. Avoid becoming‘lost in thought’ while driving. Avoid stressful conversations while driving,either on cell phones or with another passenger. @
