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AT&T and Motorola Join With NETS to Educate Drivers

12 November 1999

AT&T and Motorola Join With NETS to Educate Drivers on the Dangers Of Distracted Driving

    REDMOND, Wash., November 11 -- To help drivers focus on the
important task of driving, AT&T Wireless Services, Motorola, and the Network
of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) are teaming to develop an educational
campaign to teach drivers strategies and techniques to manage potential
distractions.
    The goal of the responsible driving campaign is to reduce distracted
driving by helping employers and organizations implement driver training
programs that address all potential distractions and to develop educational
materials for public information and community outreach programs.
    "When highlighting the issue of driver distraction, the focus often tends
to be on the use of in-vehicle electronics," said Susan B Herbel, executive
director of the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety.  "The real problem is
driver inattention.  Drivers can be distracted for any number of reasons.  We
need to focus our efforts on reeducating people about the time, attention and
concentrated effort it takes to drive a car."
    "Because Americans are now spending so much time on the road, drivers are
attempting to tackle other tasks while driving," said Daniel R. Hesse,
president and chief executive officer of AT&T Wireless. "A driver's primary
responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle.  No other activity should
interfere with that responsibility."
    Bo Hedfors, executive vice president and president of the Network
Solutions Sector for Motorola agrees. "Millions of Americans take advantage of
the convenience, safety and value offered by mobile wireless communications,
but they must exercise good judgment," he said.  "This program will provide
drivers with options, techniques, and strategies to address all of the
potential distractions that may affect drivers."
     According to a 1994 Prevention magazine survey, the top ten activities
people performed while driving include:

    -- 95% listening to music or news
    -- 71% drinking beverages
    -- 66% eating
    -- 64% changing a tape or CD
    -- 33% reading a road map.
    -- 18% talking on a phone
    -- 16% combing
    -- 14% putting on make-up
    -- 6%  reading a magazine
    -- 4%  shaving

    The program will include a "tool kit" that can be used by driver training
instructors, employers, and highway safety organizations. NETS will
disseminate the materials through the media and its members including
employers, the highway safety community and government agencies.
    A sample of safety tips from NETS, includes:

    -- Always buckle up.
    -- Never drive impaired by alcohol, drugs, fatigue or stress.
    -- Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
    -- Be sure all passengers and objects are properly restrained.
    -- Consider your safety options before using in-vehicle electronics while
       driving.
    -- Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversation that might divert
       your attention from the road.

    Founded in 1989, NETS ( http://www.trafficsafety.org/ ) is a
public-private sector partnership dedicated to reducing traffic deaths and
injuries in the nation's work force.  By helping employers implement
well-developed policies, dynamic workplace programs and compelling community
activities related to traffic safety, NETS enhances the quality of life and
significantly reduces the cost of doing business for member organizations.
    AT&T Corp. ( http://www.att.com ) is among the world's premier
voice and data communications companies, serving more than 80 million
customers, including consumers, businesses and government.  With annual
revenues of more than $53 billion and 151,000 employees, AT&T provides
services to customers worldwide.
    Backed by the research and development capabilities of AT&T Labs, the
company runs the world's largest, most sophisticated communications network
and has one of the largest digital wireless networks in North America.  The
company is a leading supplier of data and Internet services for businesses and
offers outsourcing, consulting and networking-integration to large businesses.
It is also the nation's largest direct Internet access service for consumers.
    Through its recent cable acquisitions, AT&T will bring its bundle of
broadband video, voice and data services to customers throughout the United
States.  Internationally, the AT&T/BT Global Venture -- recently named Concert
-- will serve the communications needs of multinational companies and
international carriers worldwide.
    Motorola, Inc. is a global leader in providing integrated
communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions.  Sales in 1998
were $28.4 billion.  For further information about Motorola, please visit the
website at http://www.Motorola.com .

    Media and Analyst Contact Information:

    AT&T Wireless Services         Motorola Corporation
    Ken Woo                        Jennifer Weyrauch
    Voice:  425-580-8349           Voice:  847-523-0015
    Wireless:  206-915-7212

    Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS)
    Susan Herbel
    Voice:  202-452-6005