Safe Driving Begins With Making Smarter Decisions

Distracted driving is a critical safety issue in which a single moment can change lives forever, and kicking-off National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) observes that safety is paramount in a moving vehicle, and a driver’s priority must be on maintaining the safe control of that vehicle at all times.

“The CEA believes the government and private sector must work together to promote and encourage safe-driving practices,” says Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. “As part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, CEA is working to make the driving experience safer for everyone through education and outreach. Our goal is to remind drivers that, just like pilots who go through a pre-flight check list before they take off, you should take the time to plan out your trip before you take to the road.”

To improve your safety and reduce distractions, CEA recommends you follow these precautions:

• Do Not Disturb: Many mobile carriers offer applications that allow your phone to intercept calls and texts while you are driving, reducing distractions and eliminating your temptation to answer. Visit the “It Can Wait” campaign’s applications page for carrier-specific applications and take the pledge to never text and drive.

• Enable Hands-Free: If you choose to use a hands-free device, sync your contacts and pair your Bluetooth or hands-free devices before heading out on the road. Visit the Innovating Safety campaign’s Safe Solutions page for more information on hands-free devices.

• Preset Your Route: Enter your destination into your GPS or mobile phone before you start your car. Never try to program your GPS functions while driving.

• Understand Your Technology: Whether it’s built into your car or on your mobile device, take the time to research and learn what your technology is capable of and how to use your phone and navigation applications before you get behind the wheel.

• Stay Awake and Aware: On long trips, share the responsibility of driving with friends and family or take frequent, short breaks to help you stay alert and focused.

• Be Vigilant of Road Conditions: A number of applications are available that share real-time traffic information, keeping you up-to-date on road conditions, traffic congestion and road construction projects.

• Above All, Be Responsible: Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel at all times.

These tips are all part of CEA’s broad-based “Innovating Safety” initiative, which is designed to educate drivers about the array of products and technologies, developed by the consumer electronics industry and available today, to increase safety and awareness behind the wheel.

“Innovation in the consumer electronics industry is constant, spurring the creation of new technologies to minimize distractions behind the wheel,” says Mr. Shapiro. “At CEA, we’re actively engaged with the Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to find the right balance between safety and connectivity, and ensure a safer driving experience for everyone.”

CEA and its member companies are dedicated to raising awareness, improving education, and innovating technologies to increase automotive safety. For the latest updates and information from CEA, follow the initiative on Twitter at #InnovatingSafety and online at CE.org/InnovatingSafety

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $203 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. For more information, visit: http://www.CE.org and through social media.

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