Education Key to Safety Awareness

With National Wireless Safety Week fast approaching (May 24-30), the industry is escalating its efforts in wireless phone safety. The goal is to convince consumers that the popular bumper-sticker attitude admonishing wireless phone users to "Hang Up and Drive!" does not offer a sound solution for driving safety.

"Our main focus is to create awareness among our customers to use their phones safely when driving," said Peggy England, CTIA spokesperson. "A second major aspect in educating our customers is to make them aware of their wireless phones as important safety tools."

This attitude toward phones as valuable wireless tools in an emergency was illustrated during the recent siege at a Littleton, CO, high school. Several Columbine High students dialed 911 on their wireless handsets, alerting police officials, news media and family members about their plight. Though the incident put wireless phones in the national spotlight, it was not the kind of publicity the wireless industry had in mind to promote National Wireless Safety Week.

"Safety awareness is certainly heightened by the publicity we're seeing lately with these tragic accidents," England said. "In June, the CTIA will be honoring some individuals -- wireless samaritans -- who were caught up in such emergency situations and used their cell phones to help themselves or others."

In addition to the CTIA's efforts, carriers are promoting wireless safety awareness.

"Each year, many of the carriers devote programs to children and wireless safety," England said. "For instance, Cellular One here in Washington has held events during previous National Wireless Safety Weeks featuring McGruff the Crime Dog."

This year's outreach toward children will continue with United States Cellular's recently initiated S.T.A.R.S. program designed to teach young Chicago-area students the mechanics of placing a wireless 911 call.

"We believe that everyone should know how to use their wireless phones safely -- including children," said Michele Merrell, United States Cellular manager of public relations and corporate.