Safety Tips for Cell Phone Use

 Posted on October 17, 2014 in Personal Injury

Despite warnings, laws, and police officer's best efforts, many drivers still use their cell phones when operating a vehicle. While some instances of cell phone use while driving can be described as nothing but negligent, or even reckless, other situations may properly call for the appropriate use of a mobile device while traveling on the road. Recognizing this fact, a popular insurance company's website offers some tips for drivers to be aware of for safely using a cell phone while driving.

Safety Tips for Using a Cell Phone

While it is always primarily advisable to avoid taking on a cell phone while driving, at times it may be unavoidable or even necessary to do so. In those instances, it is important to take proper precautions so that cell phone use is done safely. Some cell phone safety tips to follow while on the road include the following:

• Be familiar with the phone and its features, especially the speed dial and redialing options. Taking advantage of these features and memorizing the phone keypad will enable drivers to use the device without having to take their eyes off the road for an extended period of time;

• Use the device in hands-free mode. Now, Illinois law requires any use of a mobile device to be hands free, and most devices are able to be used in this way either on their own or with the addition of available accessories;

• Place your cell phone where it can easily be reached. Drivers should be able to grab their phone in an emergency without having to take their attention from the road. If the phone is not within a reachable distance, it is prudent to not reach for it while driving;

• Avoid talking on the phone in dangerous driving conditions. Pay careful attention to the road in heavy traffic and hazardous weather;

• Do not take your eyes off the road for an extended period of time to look up something or enter something into your phone;

• Try to put off cell phone use until traffic patterns decrease. Do your best to make calls in low traffic or when your vehicle is stopped;

• Avoid stressful or emotional calls while driving, which can cause more of a distraction to drivers and take their attention away from the road; and

• Always use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency, including dialing 911 to help others who have be experiencing an emergency, involved in an accident, or in need of roadside assistance.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to someone else's negligence, you may have legal rights that need protection. Contact Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case with one of our DuPage County car accident attorneys. We have successful experience representing clients in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Kendall and Will County.