ROAD SAFETY WEEK   . . . 7-13 JANUARY 2002 PRESIDENT: JC SANDEEP HEBLE The Awareness Campaign USE CELLPHONES CAREFULLY WHILE DRIVING. Cell phones may be dangerous or not, but while using one, attention obviously wanders and accidents can result. Not a comforting thought. Though the link between car crashes and use of cell phones may be difficult to prove, there are nine out of ten chances of a driver knocking down a person trying to cross a road, on which he happens to be driving with a cell phone on. Still, in spite of all these drawbacks, cell phones have several positive features. They are a valuable safety device. Information about an accident can be communicated accurately and speedily. The knowledge that help is only a phone call away helps a driver keep his peace of mind and the roads safer. To maximize the safety potential and to prevent it from becoming a hazard, we could be guided by the following recommendations. Position your phone within easy reach so that you don't have to take your eyes off the road. Get to know the features of your cell phone - speed dial, redial, voice mail, they can be your life saver. But don't dial and drive at the same time. Use a hands free kit. Avoid using a phone when road conditions are hazardous or traffic is heavy. You can let your voice mail take messages and then call back later. Don't engage in stressful conversations that may distract your attention from the road. Don't take notes or look up phone numbers whilst driving, wait till you can pull over. User abbreviated speed dialing. Frequently called numbers can be programmed. Observe the traffic conditions before making or receiving a call. Have an answering machine installed that could take messages until you can return the calls. If you have a co-passenger, let him handle the calls. In case you are invariably required, stop the car at the nearest safe point to converse. In case you are a dedicated cell phone user, do not drink a beverage or light a cigarette while driving. It doubles the risk of an accident. A cell phone is a responsibility and a privilege. People need to learn how to use it safely to maximize the benefits.