Killer distraction – texting while driving
JOBURG - TEXTING and driving – we all do it, but it could have serious consequences for not only you, but those around you, too.
“In the worst case, a driver might be using one hand to scroll or input text on a phone and looking at a mobile screen rather than the road,” said ER24’s communications manager Werner Vermaak. “This problem has been exacerbated since the advent of smartphones – now, drivers are not just reading and checking SMS messages but even browsing the web and social media.”
Drivers who allow themselves to be distracted by their mobile phones vastly increase their risk of becoming involved in a motor vehicle accident. That’s why ER24 and Cellfind offer a service called IDme that connects you to fast medical help via your cellphone in the event of an emergency. IDme turns your cellphone into a panic button which immediately links you to ER24’s Contact Centre when you hit a speed dial number.
Although being equipped with the Cellfind app would be a great help in an emergency, the general public should first take measures to stop texting and driving. ER24 recommends that when embarking on a journey, the driver should always turn off their cell and place it well out of reach in order to prevent temptation to access the device while driving. This is also a great safety tip to prevent thieves from attempting to steal cellphones that are placed out in the open within a car.
Another recommendation from ER24 is to input your destination into a GPS system before embarking on your journey so that you are not distracted on your way there.
Be safe on the roads.
For more information email info@er24.co.za or @ER24EMS on Twitter or on Facebook at facebook.com/ER24Ambulance and for more information on Cellfind visit www.cellfind.co.za or @Cellfind on Twitter.
