Time Off is Time to 'Be Sensible' This Labor Day; Cingular Offers Safe Driving Tips

ATLANTA, Sept. 3 -- As an estimated 34.1 million Americans plan to travel for the final holiday weekend of summer, Cingular Wireless is asking them to "Be Sensible" while driving.

Cingular's "Be Sensible" program is designed to educate and remind consumers nationwide about safe and courteous ways to use mobile phones, and ultimately generate a change in thinking and behavior among all wireless users.

"'Be Sensible' is our constant theme every day of the year, but it's especially important during a major holiday period when traffic is at a peak," said Steve Skinner, Director External Affairs for Cingular Wireless. "The message is very easy: Avoid distractions while driving, and keep your eyes on the road."

Cingular's "Be Sensible" campaign offers the following safety tips for using your wireless phone while driving:

   -- Make driving safely your first priority.  If the call will be
      distracting, wait until your trip is completed to place it.
   -- Dial sensibly and keep your eyes on the road.  Use speed dial an
      redial.  Or, place your call before pulling into traffic.
   -- Use a hands-free device when available.
   -- Don't take notes or look up phone numbers while driving.
   -- Suspend conversations during hazardous driving situations.
   -- Don't engage in stressful or emotional conversations that might be
      distracting.
   -- Remember, dialing 911 is always a free call.  Lives can be saved,
      crimes prevented and drunk drivers taken off the road.

For a separate list of tips designed especially for teen drivers, visit HERE