Management Services

Risk and Insurance Management

Risk Management Guidelines

Recommended Guidelines for
Cellular Telephone Usage While Driving

Cellular telephone use is quickly expanding for employees during business travel. While the availability of cellular phones on the roadway has benefited in emergency calls, reporting congestion, etc., driver inattention and distraction have been contributing factors in some traffic accidents. Studies suggest that drivers who use cellular telephone while driving increase the risk of an accident.

The Office of Risk and Insurance Management has developed the following guidelines for those University officers, agents, employees, authorized volunteers and authorized students who use University-owned vehicles or any other vehicle while conducting University business.

Tips for Cells Phones and Driving

• Safe driving is your first priority. Always buckle up, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
• Make sure that your phone is positioned where it is easy to see and easy to reach. Be familiar with the operation of your phone, so that you're comfortable using it on the road.
• Use a hands-free microphone while driving. Always use hands-free devices, such as ear/microphone accessory and phone cradle.
• Use the speed-dialing feature to program in frequently called numbers. Then you can make a call by touching only two or three buttons. Most phones will store up to 99 numbers.
• Do not use in gas stations, or when fueling lawn movers, boats, etc. Mobile phones can ignite fuel or fumes. Mobile phones that light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition.
• When dialing manually without the speed-dialing feature, dial only when stopped. If you can't stop, or pull over, dial a few digits, then survey traffic before completing the call. Better yet, have a passenger dial.
• Never take notes while driving. Pull off the road to jot something down; if it's a phone number, many mobile phones have an electronic scratchpad that allows you to key in a new number while having a conversation.
• Let your wireless network's voice mail pick up your calls when it's inconvenient or unsafe to answer the car phone. You can even use your voice mail to leave yourself reminders.
• Be a cellular Samaritan. Dialing 9-1-1 is a free call for cellular subscribers; use it to report crimes in progress or other potential life-threatening emergencies, accidents or drunk driving.

Remember: Safe driving is your TOP PRIORITY! Use the cellular phone when it is safe.