Vodafone supports driver safety

Friday, 10 November 2006, 3:18 pm
Press Release: Vodafone

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release 10 November 2006

Vodafone supports driver safety

As a responsible business, Vodafone New Zealand supportslegislation to promote safe driving. As such, the company is not opposed to proposals to ban the use of hand-held mobiles while driving.

While mobiles in vehicles have considerable benefits, including the ability to call emergency services, using a mobile while driving distracts drivers and increases the risk of accidents.

The safest way to use a mobile is to pull over and stop before making or receiving a call. If this is not possible, using a hands-free device is strongly recommended, especially if drivers use voice-activated dialling or answering.

In 2004, Vodafone New Zealand published and distributed a leaflet on safe driving - http://www.vodafone.co.nz/aboutus/pull_over_brochure.pdf - containing the following advice for motorists:

- pull over and park if you need to take a call while you’re on the road
- if you can’t pull over, use voice messaging and return calls when you’ve finished driving
- fit a built-in hands-free kit to your vehicle, but keep conversations short and pull over and park if possible while taking a call

Vodafone’s internal policy states that employees must not use a hand-held mobile phone while drivingand must only use a hands-free mobile phone when it is safe to do so. Employees who are required to use their vehicle for work are provided with a personal hands-free kit for their mobile.

Vodafone believes in greater education on the range of potential distractions in vehicles and their impact on driver safety.

Mike Noon General Manager Motoring Affairs NZAA says “We think it is great that Vodafone are stepping up and showing leadership in this area. The AA is looking forward to working together with Vodafone to increase motorist’s awareness of the risks of inappropriate use of cell phones whilst driving.”

Ends

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