Can I use my cell phone in my car?
Cell phones are a valuable way of conducting business, but at the same time they have raised a lot of issues involving safety. Some states have passed laws prohibiting talking on a cell phone while driving without using a hands free device those include California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, New Jersey and New York. Some cities and counties may have restrictions.
Whether it’s legal or not, doesn’t it really depends on you on whether you use the phone while driving or not?
Do you feel comfortable driving while talking?
If it diverts your attention from driving, the best action would be to pull to the side of the road and bring your conversation to an end before continuing your travels. This also may be best if you are traveling in areas where cellphone coverage may not be at it’s best.
Then again there may be liability issues. If an employee has an auto accident and harms someone while making a work-related cell phone call, the employer as well as the employee may be found liable. Lawsuits have been filed around the nation and companies have settled before going to court.
Then there’s texting.
My suggestion and recommendation is that it is never a good idea to be texting or text messaging while driving. This is especially true to sending text messages, but also includes reading an incoming text. While you are reading the text your attention is being diverted from the main focus of driving and as we have seen in insurance companies ads lately, they come unexpectedly.
If you are one that feels as if it’s Ok to use cell phone while in their car the following safety guidelines may help:
• Get to know your phone and its features, such as speed dial and redial.
• Always dial while the car isn’t moving.
• Never use the phone in heavy traffic or bad weather.
• Use speed dialing as much as possible.
• Use a hands-free phone.
• Never look up phone numbers while driving.
• Never have stressful conversations while driving.
• Keep your eyes on the road while on the phone.
• Do not take notes while driving.
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Steven G. Atkinson is the author of the book Technology Tips for Small Business. The book offers over 55 informational tips to assist the small business owner or office manager better understand the technology they use every day.
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