Safe driving tips

SaskTel reminds you that safe driving is your primary responsibility. Take all necessary steps to eliminate potential distractions and follow our strategies to minimize the risk of distractions while in your vehicle.

SaskTel, along with the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), encourages all drivers to Focus On Driving. To find out what takes your attention away from driving, take the quiz at www.FocusOnDriving.ca.

SaskTel offers services such as Voice Messaging Service and, through our SaskTel Dealers, cellular phone accessories such as hands-free equipment, to help customers stay focused on the road ahead.

We also encourage you to use your cellular phone to help make our communities and roads safer.

Distractions

Be aware of potential distractions while driving. These may take many forms, including:

The following strategies can help minimize the risk of distractions while in your vehicle and let you focus on driving:

• Always buckle up, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
• Know your vehicle and where the controls are located. As much as possible, preset your preferences before you go and adjust them when you are stopped.
• Try to schedule times for breaks and meals to avoid being on the road at these times. If you must eat or drink in your car, unwrap packages or remove lids while the car is stopped.
• Pull off the road if you need to consult a map or other directions. Or, if you have a passenger, let them be the navigator. Always wait until you get to where you're going to read a note or write something down.
• Keep conversations light and focus your attention on driving. If necessary, pull over or suggest to your passenger(s) that you talk in more detail when you get to your destination.
• Tell passengers that you will have time to look at things when you get to your destination.
• Never use wireless data services such as text messaging, Web browsing or e-mail while operating a vehicle.
• Avoid unnecessary calls on your cell phone. Allow your voice mail to answer a call if traffic is heavy or driving conditions are poor. If you must make or receive a call:
  • Keep conversations brief and avoid engaging in stressful or emotional conversations. Advise the person to whom you are speaking that you are driving and, if necessary, suspend the call or safely pull off the road.
  • Be familiar with handset or handsfree features such as speed dial, redial and voice-activated functions. Program frequently-dialled numbers on your handset.
  • When dialing manually, dial only when stopped, or have a passenger dial for you. Consider using a handsfree device to make it easier to keep both hands on the wheel. Ensure that the handsfree device is in place before operating a vehicle.
• Pull over to deal with children in the back seat. Secure pets in a separate location so they won't distract the driver.
• Personal grooming is important to everyone, but give yourself enough time to get ready before you get in your car, or wait until you get to your destination to freshen up.
• Avoid leaning over to search for items such as your sunglasses, cell phone and wallet while your car is in motion. Take a minute to check to make sure you have everything before you go or wait until you're stopped to look for items inside the car.

Be a wireless samaritan

Use your cellular phone to help others. Cellular phones are indispensable for reporting crimes in progress, accidents, and other emergencies. The following quick-dial emergency numbers are always free (no airtime or long distance charges apply):

911
Call 911 for emergency services (police, fire, and ambulance). (Remember, when calling 911 from a cellular phone, you must provide the location of the emergency to dispatch personnel.)

*TIPS (*8477)
Call Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers to provide information on a crime. (Your call is anonymous and will not appear on your bill.)

*CAA (*222)
Call CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) for emergency roadside assistance (for CAA members only).

#HAIL (#4245)
Call Environment Canada - Severe Weather Reporting - to report hail or tornados etc.

*666
Call CANUTEC (Canadian Transport Emergency Centre) for emergencies and information regarding the handling of dangerous goods.

#732
Call the CP Rail safety line to report security and safety concerns involving any railway track (e.g., children playing on the track.

Refer to your Cellular User Guide in our Support area for other quick-dial numbers.