By Steve Jackson
Telstreet

Wireless phones typically don't inspire much passion, except when the issue of using a phone while driving comes up. Everybody seems to have a story about being cut off by someone using their phone or getting in an accident because someone was paying more attention to their conversation than the roadway. Some communities have even banned the use of wireless phones while driving.

Banning phones from cars may be a bit of an overreaction, but it does emphasize how important the issue of safety is while using a phone in your car. It is important to be able to keep in touch with family and coworkers while you're driving, but it's more important to do it safely.

With that in mind, here are some tips for using your wireless phone while driving:

Safety is your first priority
Don't lose sight of the fact that you are trying to maneuver a 3,000-pound piece of machinery at high speeds among hundreds of other 3,000-pound pieces of machinery moving at high speeds. Your phone conversation pales in importance to making sure you don't run into something or someone. If at any time your conversation interferes with your ability to drive safely, either pull off the road or hang up. Immediately.

Be familiar with your phone
Don't try to use your phone in your car if you don't even know how to answer it or make a call. Fumbling around with buttons will distract you from your primary task: driving your car in a safe manner.

Don't dial while you're moving.
It's nearly impossible to dial your phone without looking at it. And it's nearly impossible to drive without looking at the road and traffic. It's completely impossible to look at both your phone and the road at the same time. Wait until you're stopped to dial, so that you can be sure to keep your eyes on the road while you're moving.

Use memory dial
Program numbers that you frequently call into your phone's memory. That way, you can dial them with just the touch of a few buttons when you're on the road. Better yet, program numbers you know you will call frequently when you're on the road into your phone's one-touch dialing slots so you only need to press one button.

Keep conversations brief
Don't use your commute home as an opportunity to catch up with a long-lost friend. Keep conversations brief and to the point, and hang up as soon as you've discussed what you needed to discuss.

Use a hands-free kit
The safest way to operate a phone in your car is to use a hands-free kit. These kits allow you to operate your phone without taking your hands off of the steering wheel. Kits typically include a holder for your phone, an adapter that lets you plug your phone into the car's electrical system, and a separate microphone and earpiece that let you have conversations without having to actually touch your phone.