However, it must be added that it is critical that those using cell phones do so responsibly. Irresponsible cell phone use can bring harm.Some jurisdictions are now limiting cell phone use while driving. Our freedomof access in the future could depend on our attention to safe usage today.

Inattentive behavior while driving – eating, talking, day-dreaming – can have serious consequences. If you use a cell phone while driving, don’t forget whatyou are doing; you are driving! One study found that cell phone users were four to five time more likely to be involved in a crash than those not using phones while driving.

The American Automobile Association has recommends:

Keep your attention on the road by programming frequently used numbers to minimize dialing.

Dial sensibly. Wait for a stop light, ask a passenger to dial for your or pulloff the road to make a call, but be careful where you stop.

Don’t use your phone during distracting or heavy traffic situations.

Never take notes while driving.

Place your phone, or have it mounted within comfortable reach in your usual driving position and close to your line of vision.

Avoid intense conversations while driving.

Disconnect your cellular phone when using jumper cables. The power surgecould ruin your phone.

If you have a phone in your vehicle, enjoy, but do so responsibly. While youare making all those plans, remember to get there safely.

MIKE WILLIAMS, who writes this column every Wednesday for L’Observateur, is a local State Farm Insurance agent.

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