CTIA-The Wireless Association Statement on Testifying Before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Hearing

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
Today, CTIA-The Wireless Association Executive Vice President Bobby Franklin
issued the following statement after his testimony before the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit hearing
on "Addressing the Problem of Distracted Driving":

"CTIA and the wireless industry appreciated the opportunity to participate at
the House hearing on this very important issue. With so many Americans relying
on mobile devices as a great safety tool, it's important to remind consumers
that there is an appropriate time and inappropriate time to use them.

"Legislation, technology and education are three vital components that we
believe are needed to develop safer drivers and safer roads. CTIA believes that
manual texting and emailing while driving are incompatible with safe driving and
join Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in supporting a state and
local ban on this activity. In fact, we are working with the National Conference
of State Legislatures, the American Legislative Exchange Council, and other
state organizations to craft model legislation that could be adopted across the
country that would prohibit manual texting and emailing while driving.

"We also support technological advancements, but caution that they cannot be
based on inflexible mandates that could stifle innovation. They must also be
affordable and consumer-friendly.

"Finally, we are proud of our long-standing educational activities, including
our recent partnership with the National Safety Council to launch a teen-focused
campaign, `On the Road, Off the Phone.' As part of the campaign, we developed a
Web site and a television public service announcement which has been viewed
thousands of times since we launched last month.

"CTIA and our members look forward to continuing to work with policymakers and
stakeholders at all levels to combat distracted driving."

For more information about the CTIA and NSC "On the Road, Off the Phone"
campaign, please visit: www.onroadoffphone.org.

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications
industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.
www.ctia.org

CTIA-The Wireless Association
Amy Storey, 202-736-3207

Copyright Business Wire 2009