Phone & driving tips
Staying connected can have an impact on your driving or intrude upon the privacy of others. Here are some tips to keep you from making a mobile device faux pas.
Sometimes your phone is not an option
Mobile devices have increasingly become an integral part of your lifestyle. However, there are situations where it is the law and simply just polite to shut off your device.
Always obey requests from airlines and hospitals to turn off your device. Similarly, assess your surroundings to see if it is appropriate to have your phone on, e.g. at movies, restaurants, classes, in places of worship, or during plays or concerts.
If your conversation needs to be loud, personal or emotional, take it somewhere private.
Use your phone's features
If you are expecting an important call and can't turn off your device, plan ahead. Sit near an aisle or exit so you can go somewhere private. Use your device’s features to minimize any disruption.
- Put your device on vibrate mode, or set the ringer and message indicator to silent.
- Use Caller ID. If it's not an important call, let it go to voicemail.
- Have important information emailed or text messaged to you, and set your mail message indicator to vibrate or silent.
Driving & safety
When driving, safety is your first priority. Never let your phone distract you.
Several provinces have made it illegal to drive while using your mobile device, unless you have a hands-free headset. Check out what headsets are available for your device.
Review the following tips to see how you can drive safely with your mobile device:
- Make your device work for you - Read the user guide to learn about features that make it safer for you on the road. Features and services like pre-programming numbers, voice dialing, and voicemail.
- Don't program 911 as that can cause accidental emergency calls.
- Put your phone in an accessory cradle where you can see and reach it without losing focus. When possible have a passenger answer, or let the call go to your voicemail.
- If you must place a call, do so when you have stopped or parked.
For more information about safe driving, visit www.focusondriving.ca.