[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 78 (Thursday, May 27, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S6435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELLULAR TELECOMMUNICATIONS SAFETY WEEK

 Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President, in recent years the advent of the 
wireless phone began an extraordinary advance in the cellular 
telecommunications industry. As a result the cellular phone has become 
an accessory and a necessity in the modern technological world we 
currently live in. It has revolutionized communication, and has helped 
individuals to constantly stay connected. Today, there are over an 
estimated 200 million wireless phone users around the world. The 
wireless telephone gives individuals the powerful ability to 
communicate--almost anywhere, anytime.
  With the ability of having a cellular phone comes responsibility. As 
National Wireless Safety Week comes to a conclusion, we must recognize 
the dangers of having and using cellular telephones, especially when 
driving. We must also recognize the benefits of having these phones in 
situations where they are desperately needed. Today, there are over 
98,000 emergency calls made daily by people using wireless phones--
saving lives, preventing crimes and assisting in emergency situations. 
Furthermore, according to a recent government study, decreasing 
notification time when accidents occurs saves lives--a wireless phone 
is a tool to reduce such a time.
  The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) is the 
international organization of the wireless communications industry for 
wireless carriers and manufactures. It is also the coordinator of 
Wireless Safety Week, and promotes using phones to summon assistance in 
emergency situations to save lives. It also promotes the concept that 
when driving a car, safety is one's first priority. The CTIA has six 
simple rules to driving safely while using a wireless phone, including:
  Safe driving is one's first responsibility. Always buckle up; keep 
your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
  Make sure that one's phone is positioned where is easy to see and 
easy to reach. Be familiar with the operation of one's phone so that 
one is comfortable using it on the road.
  Use the speed dialing feature to program-in frequently called 
numbers. Then one is able to make a call by touching only one or two 
buttons. Most phones will store up to 99 numbers.
  When dialing manually without using the speed dialing feature first, 
dial only when stopped. If one cannot stop, or pull over, dial a few 
digits, then survey traffic before completing the call.
  Never take notes while driving. Pull off the road to a safe spot to 
jot something down.
  Be a wireless Samaritan. Dialing 9-1-1 is a free call for wireless 
subscribers, use it to report crimes in progress or other potentially 
life-threatening emergencies, accidents, or drunk driving.
  In a recent national poll, it was found that over 60 percent of 
wireless phone users have called for help in cases of car trouble, 
medical emergency, or to report a drunk driving crime. Close to 90 
percent of wireless phone users polled said safety and security were 
the best reasons for owning a wireless phone.
  Mr. President. The bottom line is that individuals need to assume 
responsibility while behind the wheel of a car. No telephone call is 
important enough to risk the safety of the driver, passengers, and 
others on the road. Cellular phones can be a distraction while one is 
driving a car. I urge drivers to use common sense when driving, and ask 
that drivers continue to act as good Samaritans. I also want to 
recognize the efforts of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry 
Association, and congratulate them for a successful Wireless Safety 
Week.

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