Out Box Communications

Staying in touch with friends and family while on the go is important, but being on your smartphone, among other distractions, while driving could be dangerous. In Maryland it is unlawful to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), about 4.57 million people were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2017, and fatalities topped 40,000 for the third straight year. In Maryland, fatalities were up 7 percent year over year in 2017. Distracted driving is one of the top two leading causes of accidents. Many people recognize distractors including texting and using apps for directions when using a smartphone, but eating, grooming, smoking, adjusting vehicle settings, driving when tired or being lost in thought can be hazardous as well. Fortunately, there are ways that drivers can avoid many of these distractions, and parents can monitor teen drivers to ensure better safety using the latest in wireless technology. “This Distracted Drivin

U.S. Cellular offers tips for remaining hands-free and safe on the road April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and it’s safe to say distracted driving has become a relevant issue over the last few years deserving attention and education. With drivers both young and old on the streets, staying attentive on the road is more important than ever. In 2013, there were 3,154 deaths in relation to distracted driving. Distracted driving is not limited to using a mobile device, but also includes eating, drinking, grooming and talking to passengers. Smartphone devices, such as the iPhone 6s and the Galaxy S7, can be paired with wireless accessories to increase safety and maintain productivity on the road. According to a U.S. Cellular survey, 43 percent of smartphone owners use their device while driving, and 34 percent of smartphone users get annoyed at others for doing so. That same survey also shows that 74 percent of those who use their phone while driving utilize