Do not Dial and Drive
Cell Phone Safety on the Road
When it comes to cell phone safety, the best tip of all is: Do not make or accept cell phone calls while you are driving. This has been proven to be a distraction.
- Keep your hands on the wheel, not on your phone.
- Keep your eyes on the road. Learn how to operate your phone without looking at it. Memorize the location of all the controls, so you can press the button you need without ever taking your eyes off the road.
- Practice off-road. If your cell phone is new, practice using it – including the voice mail system – before you use it while driving.
- Use a hands-free unit. A hands-free unit lets you keep both hands on the wheel while you talk on the phone.
- Stay in your lane. Do not get so wrapped up in a conversation that you drift into the other lane. Pull into the right-hand lane while talking, so you only have to worry about traffic to the left.
- Use speed dialing. Program frequently called numbers and your local emergency number into the speed dial feature of your phone for easy, one-touch dialing. When available, use auto answer or voice-activated dialing.
- Never dial while driving. If you must dial manually, do so only when stopped. Pull off the road, or have a passenger dial for you.
- Take a message. Let your voice mail pick up your calls in tricky driving situations. It is easy to retrieve your messages later on.
- Know when to stop talking. Keep phone conversations brief so you can concentrate on your driving. If a long discussion is required, if the topic is stressful or emotional, or if driving becomes hazardous, end your call and continue when you are not in traffic.
- Know when to pull over. If you need to make a call or answer an incoming call that requires your attention, stop driving. Pull over in a safe and convenient location before taking your eyes off the road.
- Do not take notes while driving. If you need to jot something down, pull off the road.
(Sources: Canada Safety Council; the Washington Post; Sypbusters.com)
The percentage of households that could afford to buy an entry-level home in California stood at 24 percent in the second quarter of 2007, compared with 23 percent for the same period a year ago, according to a report released by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
The Government National Mortgage Association, known as Ginnie Mae, eliminated it $417,000 cap on the VA loans it will guarantee on September 1st. Ginnie Mae will continue to require that the down payment, plus the amount of the VA guaranty, equal at least 25 percent of the value of the home.
The Center of Housing Policy says that one in four renters are paying more than half their income on rent, the highest level in two decades. It projects that rents will rise about 4 percent this year and next because of a shortfall in apartment construction.
Tips for Safety:
Choose flight over fight. While every REALTOR® should probably take a basic self-defense course, the primary goal in any threatening situation is to escape from immediate danger and call for help.
Rely on your mobile phone. Always carry a charged mobile phone. Clip your phone on and make it part of your everyday apparel for immediate accessibility.
Take 2 seconds when you arrive at your destination to check out potential dangers: Is there any questionable activity in the area? – Are you parked in a visible location? – and can you be blocked in by another vehicle?
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