Nassau, The Bahamas, September 17, 2008 -The danger of the road is real and wireless safety is of growing concern to The Bahamas Telecommunications Company Limited (BTC), as it has over 300,000 subscribers. In response, the company has announced that it has created ‘Be Smart’, as a national public awareness campaign to heighten its customers’ knowledge and understanding of issues concerning mobile safety, privacy and courtesy.
During this month as students return to school and employees return from vacation, this campaign will help drivers ‘Be Smart’ and exercise road safety. With the increase in cell phone users throughout The Bahamas today, BTC encourages Bahamians to be vigilant on the road to reduce the number of cell phone related incidents.
“Mobile phones are the most widely used form of communication not only in our country but across the globe,” said Marlon Johnson, Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “The ‘Be Smart’ campaign focuses attention on the key issues of safety by highlighting tips which are sometimes forgotten and overlooked. We want to educate consumers about safety and affect a positive change in wireless thinking and behaviors.”
‘Be Smart’ is a call to action that encourages drivers to practice safety and appeals to everyone to be courteous when using a wireless device. This campaign is designed to transform the way people use wireless technology in a safe, fun, friendly, and responsible manner.
New technologies are radically advancing our freedoms, but they are also enabling unparalleled invasions of privacy. ‘Be Smart’ emphasizes the importance of customers reviewing their handset security features that allow you to lock screens and set passwords to safeguard against data theft.
As wireless phones are becoming commonplace more businesses, churches, restaurants, and department stores are opposed to public displays of “cell yell” and are now seeking advice from the experts on cell phone etiquette. ‘Be Smart’ promotes courtesy when using your cell phones in public places.
Wireless users can follow these 10 ‘Be Smart’ tips:
1. Make driving your first priority. Always let the person you are speaking with know you are driving and end the conversation if you need to
2. Position your wireless phone within easy reach. If your cell phone is not in easy reach, let the call go to voicemail
3. Use hands free devices like a Bluetooth which will allow you to keep both hands on the wheel
4. Don’t engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may be distracting
5. Don’t use your phone in hazardous weather conditions
6. Protect your personal information. Lock your screens and set passwords
7. Save all of your numbers to your SIM card
8. Be courteous. Place your phone on vibrate or silent if you are in a meeting, a restaurant, the cinema or in church
9. Don’t send text messages, take pictures, look up numbers or jot notes while driving
10. Make safety your most important call. In case of emergency dial 919
BTC worked in conjunction with the Police Traffic arm of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and the Road Traffic Department to create its safety messages. In the upcoming weeks, BTC will continue to collaborate with Police Traffic as it takes its compelling messages of road safety to the public.
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