Cell Phone/School Zone Safety

August 30, 2005

The Regional Emergency Medical Service Authority would like to remind drivers that while behind the wheel of an automobile, it is important to stay off cell phones and concentrate on the road. This is especially important when driving through a “school zones” where children are walking to or from school. When school zone lights are flashing, please put down your phone or pull over to the side of the road to take a call. REMSA is working to discourage cell phone use while driving through school zones during the start of, and dismissal from, school.

According to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, cell phone distraction causes 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries in the United States every year.

By either staying off a cell phone while driving or pulling over to talk, a positive example is set. Make it point to do your own teaching in a school zone and put down your cell phone while driving or pull over.

To set up a media interview with a REMSA representative, please call Scott Walquist at 775.686.2116.

REMSA is a private, not-for-profit emergency medical services system serving northern Nevada. REMSA’s state-of-the-art 9-1-1 dispatch communications center is fully accredited, as are all emergency medical transport services of the company. REMSA provides quality patient care with no taxpayer support or other subsidies.

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720