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In the News - February 2008
Use common courtesy with cell phone
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - We've all seen it: in the check-out line at the grocery
store, in meetings, in erratically driven cars and in restaurants. People with
cell phones glued to their ears, jaws flapping away, completely oblivious to
everyone around them.
"Cell phones have become absolutely essential for many, and they certainly
make life easier for many more people," says Lisa Gilmore, Garland County agent
with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. "Unfortunately,
most people didn't receive instruction on considerate use of cell phones."
She says otherwise nice, mannerly people can be extremely rude by answering
phones in the middle of meetings, taking calls during appointments with the
doctor and failing to turn phones off or to silent at church.
Incredibly, some people attempt to carry on a conversation on a phone during
a movie at the theater. Most of time, they're shushed into putting the phone
away.
Gilmore offers this advice to cell phone users to avoid the ire of others:
- A ringing cell phone doesn't always require an answer.
There are some situations in which you should put your phone on
silent.
- Put your phone on silent or on vibrate when you enter a
meeting, a library, church or any other place where the ringing
of your phone would be disruptive. If you forget, and it rings,
it's still impolite to answer the phone and tell the caller that
you will call them back.
- Avoid having private conversations within earshot of other
people. If at all possible, step away from others when talking
on the phone. This includes a restroom stall!
- It's also impolite to speak into the phone at an increased
volume. There is no reason to speak into the phone any louder
than you would converse with someone sitting next to you.
- Check the volume of your ring tone, too. The blaring sound
of the first two bars of your favorite song may not be enjoyable
to those within audible range.
- Pay attention to your driving. If you have to make a call
in your car, use a hands-free system to keep both hands on the
steering wheel and aid in concentration.
Cell phone use behind the wheel is a major safety concern. According
to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 29 states have laws on cell phone use while
driving and 17 states, plus the District of Columbia have special provisions for
young or novice drivers.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
February 1, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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