Think before you talk….. outgoing calls should be planned for a time when not driving, e.g. after pulling over and parking the vehicle in a safe and appropriate place.

Use these guidelines when driving:

• If it isn’t urgent to make a call – don’t!
• If you need to make a call, pull over into a safe place before doing so.    
• If it is absolutely necessary to make or take a hands free call whilst driving, keep the call short and always put driving conditions first.
• If you call someone and they tell you they are driving, ask them to call back when they have parked up safely or when not driving.

Can you think about 2 things at once and give them both full attention? Please display the poster in prominent positions on notice boards and discuss at Safety Meetings.

Remember, it is always OK to turn down a call because you are driving – whoever it is calling.

Consider changing your voicemail message to reflect this, i.e. “Thank you for calling, I am either unavailable to take your call or driving.  Please leave a message and I will call you back when I am free and it is safe to do so. Thank you for your patience.”