Headsets Can Help Oahu Residents and Visitors Comply with New Hands-free Law
Headset manufacturer Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) is encouraging all
residents of and visitors to Oahu, Hawaii to keep both hands on the
wheel by following Honolulu’s new hands-free law that bans the use of
handheld mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. The
new legislation, which goes into effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, is a
Honolulu city law that will be enforced across Oahu.
Talking on a cell phone in the car is routine for many of today’s busy
drivers. With the use of hands-free devices like wireless headsets,
these drivers can continue to enjoy the convenience of making calls on
the road while keeping both hands on the wheel. Residents and those
planning to vacation in Oahu this summer should consider the following
safety tips while using a headset and driving:
- Have a Trial Run: Practice using your phone and headset
together before you drive. Familiarize yourself with the headset
controls. Adjust the fit and the microphone on your headset, check the
headset settings on your cell phone and stow the phone so it’s out of
your way but still accessible.
- Be Prepared: Program all of your frequently called numbers into
your phone. That includes your boss, your kids’ babysitter and your
favorite neighborhood pizza place. And don’t forget about voice dialing;
most phones have that option, so use it as much as possible.
- Set Up for Success: Just as you check your rearview mirror and
secure your seatbelt before driving, be sure to put your headset on and
ensure it’s connected properly to your phone.
- Remember That Driving Comes First: Always keep in mind that
your first priority is driving. You should only place and receive calls
when it’s absolutely necessary.
“Plantronics understands that different drivers have different needs, so
we offer an array of headset models that fit various lifestyle
requirements and personal preferences while consistently delivering
excellent audio quality, comfort and convenience,” said Renee Niemi,
general manager and vice president of Mobile & Entertainment for
Plantronics. “Regardless of the type of the headset they choose, we are
happy to know that drivers across Oahu will be keeping both hands on the
wheel with this new legislation.”
Among the headsets available to Oahu drivers is the new Plantronics
Voyager® PRO Bluetooth® headset, which provides the most advanced
noise-canceling and wind noise reduction technology on the market.
Awarded coveted Editor’s Choice awards by CNET and PC Magazine, the
Plantronics Voyager PRO features two noise-canceling mics, AudioIQ²
technology with an adaptive 20-band equalizer, and three layers of
WindSmart® technology to ensure that Oahu commuters and visitors hear
every word on a call and little background noise. This extremely
comfortable, behind-the-ear headset reflects Plantronics’ 40-plus years
of commitment to headset engineering excellence.
The Voyager PRO is available at Best Buy and Sprint stores today in
Hawaii. For a complete listing of Plantronics’ products, please visit www.plantronics.com.
Plantronics recognizes that there are occasions when driving
circumstances make talking on a mobile phone – handheld or hands-free –
unsafe. In these instances, motorists should pull over or hang up to
protect the safety of themselves, their passengers and others on the
road.
About Plantronics
In 1969, a Plantronics headset carried the historic first words from the
moon: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Since
then, Plantronics has become the headset of choice for mission-critical
applications such as air traffic control, 911 dispatch and the New York
Stock Exchange. Today, this history of innovation is the basis for every
audio product we build for the office, contact center, personal mobile,
entertainment and residential markets. The Plantronics family of brands
includes Plantronics, Altec Lansing and Clarity. For more information,
go to www.plantronics.com or
call (800) 544-4660.
Altec Lansing, Clarity, Plantronics, AudioIQ², Plantronics Voyager, and
WindSmart are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc.
The Bluetooth trademark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of
the mark by Plantronics, Inc. is under license.
