Health Tip: Cell Phone Safety

(HealthDay News) - Cell phone use is a common cause of accidents while driving. In some states, it''s illegal for a driver to use a cell phone without a hands-free device.

The University of Texas at San Antonio Police Department offers these safety suggestions to help reduce accidents caused by cell phone use:

• Use a hands-free accessory whenever possible.
• Don''t risk an accident trying to reach your phone. Store it in an accessible place, but don''t answer it if you can''t reach for it safely.
• Memorize your keypad, speed dial and other functions so that you can pay attention to the road while using your phone.
• Don''t talk on your phone while driving through construction zones, heavy traffic, bad weather or other situations that require your full attention.
• Plan your calls around your trip. Call once you''re safely in your lane on the interstate, rather than making a call as you''re trying to merge into traffic.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Jan. 14, 2008

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