You'll survive a missed phone call; you might not survive a collision!

Transport Canada recommends against using cell phones while driving. It is distracting and increases the risk of collision. Your primary concern is the safe operation of the vehicle.

To avoid collisions arising from the use of cell phones:

• Turn the phone off before you start driving. Let callers leave a message.



• If there are passengers in the vehicle, let one of them take or make the call. If you're expecting an important call, let someone else drive.



• If you have to make or receive a call, look for a safe opportunity to pull over and park.

If for some reason you have no alternative but to use a cellular phone while driving, here are some tips:

• Use only a speakerphone or a hands-free phone. Make sure you put on the hands-free accessories before you start driving. But be aware: hands-free is not risk-free.



• If you must use a hand-held phone, place it where it will be readily accessible. Trying to retrieve a phone from a briefcase, handbag or pocket can be especially dangerous.



• Don't answer the phone until you have checked that it is safe to do so.



• Use speed dial options. If you know you will need to call an unprogrammed number, dial the number before starting off and send the call at your convenience.



• Driving and talking on a phone at the same time is difficult. Don't make it worse by trying to read or take notes. Do pull over and stop.



• Keep calls short and factual. Emotional or thought-provoking conversations are distracting. Recent research suggests that decisions made while driving and talking on a cell phone are not always good decisions.



• It's good etiquette to ask a caller to hold until you can park, or to say you'll return the call as soon as it's safe to do so.



• Stay in the right-hand lane, where driving may be less demanding.



• When reporting an emergency situation from a cell phone, pull over and ensure you are not in the flow of traffic. If you must keep driving, remember your primary concern is to avoid causing another emergency.

Keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road and your mind on the driving.