Colonel's Column

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September 1999
State Patrol teams up with cellular phone industry to promote safe driving

Colonel Kenneth B. Marshall
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol

Help while on the road, thanks to modern technology, is now just a phone call away. Wireless telephones, for many motorists, have become an invaluable safety device.

Utilizing a wireless phone can help with personal and public safety when a vehicle breaks down, when a driver is lost in an unfamiliar area, when a driver spots a vehicle being operated in a dangerous or reckless manner, or when reporting crashes or other potentially life-threatening situations.

The safety benefits of having a cellular phone available while traveling in a motor vehicle are well established. The primary benefit is the possibility for a quick response by law enforcement and medical personnel in the event of an emergency.

Based in large part on the significant role cellular phones can play in allowing motorists to assist in the safety process on Ohio roadways, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has entered into a partnership with the cellular phone industry. This effort is part of the Patrol’s successful Partners for Safety initiative which draws on support from businesses and local communities in addressing important public safety issues. This partnership coincides with the Labor Day holiday weekend which is traditionally one of the biggest travel periods of the year.

Objectives of this partnership are two-fold. The first objective is to encourage people to report dangerous or impaired drivers, and to help with getting needed assistance to disabled motorists. The second objective is to remind cellular phone users of the safety tips they should be aware of when driving and using a wireless phone.

Several wireless communication companies made a commitment to safety by joining the Patrol in this effort including Ameritech, GTE Wireless, Airtouch Cellular, AT&T, Sprint and Sprint PCS, and Alltel.

The prevailing safety message driving the partnership is to urge motorists to make every effort to exercise caution when driving and using a wireless phone.

The Patrol along with the cellular industry have combined to offer several safety tips for motorists who use wireless phones. Brochures that highlight many of these tips will be available to the motoring public at Patrol posts throughout the state beginning over the Labor Day weekend.

I want to point out several of the key ways to ensure safety while driving and using a wireless phone:

  • Keep the wireless phone within an accessible reach inside the vehicle.
  • Memorize the keypad. If possible, use a hands-free system, voice-activated dialing, speed dialing, and automatic redial features to minimize distractions.
  • Never look up numbers while driving. Program frequently called numbers on speed dial to minimize dialing time.
  • Pull over for calls that require complex dialing sequences. If that is not possible, dial numbers in short sequences, or have a passenger dial.
  • Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations while driving. Park the vehicle before dialing if conversations will likely pertain to complicated subject matter or be emotional in nature.
  • Dial 9-1-1 if an emergency occurs. Tell the dispatcher your name, wireless phone number including area code, nature of the emergency, whether police, fire, or medical assistance is needed, and the exact location of the emergency including cross streets, mileposts, or landmarks. In those areas where 9-1-1 is not available, identify the appropriate local emergency service number to call for assistance. Also, use 9-1-1 to report crimes in progress or other potentially life-threatening emergencies or events.
  • In the event of a crash, quickly make an emergency call to ensure help arrives promptly. Wait at the crash scene for help to arrive.
  • In Ohio for non-emergencies, the State Patrol has a toll-free assistance number, 1-877-7-PATROL (1-877-772-8765). Calls to this number are routed to the nearest State Patrol post, and a trooper will respond. Signs reminding motorists of the number are posted on major routes.
  • Assess driving conditions such as weather and traffic before making or receiving a call. In heavy traffic or hazardous conditions, suspend conversation or exit the road if it is necessary to complete the discussion.
  • Check messages and return calls after locating an accessible exit or rest area. If you cannot find a safe place to pull off the road, stay in the slow lane and pay particular attention to traffic conditions when phoning.

    Wireless phones are a great highway safety tool when used properly. As a motorist, make every effort to exercise caution and focus attention on the road.

    Join the State Patrol and wireless communication companies in helping to make Ohio roads safe for everyone.

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