30% Discount on Hands-Free Accessories Part of Wireless Safety Week Initiative ATLANTA, May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Wireless Safety Week, May 24-30, leads into Memorial Day weekend -- the start of the summer travel season. BellSouth Mobility Inc. (BMI) and BellSouth Mobility DCS (DCS) are encouraging wireless users -- including the many vacationing drivers -- to make responsible use of their wireless phones a top priority. To stress the importance of wireless safety to customers, BellSouth is implementing a communications campaign that includes safety advertisements, in-store safety tip materials and a 30 percent discount on hands-free headsets and vehicle power chargers. "Wireless phones offer a unique combination of convenience, safety and value for users," said Stan Hamm, President, BellSouth Mobile Systems Group. "However, with wireless phones comes the responsibility of using them wisely while driving and remembering they can be a helpful, even lifesaving, tool during an emergency." Nearly 100,000 emergency calls are made every day on mobile phones. In the event of a car break-down or if a wireless user needs to report an accident, road hazard or crime in progress, help is just a phone call away. BellSouth's initiatives surrounding Wireless Safety Week include: * Print and radio advertisements -- The ads were created in conjunction with Nokia and feature racecar driver Joe Nemechek addressing the importance of keeping both hands on the wheel and using a hands-free device to operate a wireless phone while driving. The ads will appear throughout BMI's region and select DCS areas during Wireless Safety Week. * Wireless safety on the Web -- This new section of BellSouth's Web sites (www.bellsouthmobility.com and www.bellsouthdcs.com) provides information about driving safely. The section also includes an e- mailbox (safetystories@bscc.bls.com ) for users to report instances in which a wireless phone aided in an emergency. The heroic deeds could be nominated for the annual VITA Wireless Samaritan Awards sponsored by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA). * Retail safety centers -- Each retail store will be outfitted with a display unit that includes information about hands-free kits and brochures explaining wireless safety. Brochures will be displayed prominently throughout the year. * Bill inserts -- Customers will receive information in their monthly statement that lists safety tips and offers a 30 percent discount on hands-free accessory products. * 30% discount offer -- A special deal applied to the purchase of a hands-free headset or vehicle power charger will be offered through July 31, 1999 at BellSouth retail stores. Headsets consist of a microphone and ear piece and connect to a mobile phone, allowing the user to keep his hands free to operate a vehicle. The following are some driving safety tips consumers can use when using their wireless phones in a vehicle: 1. Get to know your phone and its features, such as speed dial and redial. 2. When available, use a hands-free device. 3. Position your phone within easy reach. 4. Let the person you are speaking to know you are driving; if necessary, suspend the call in heavy traffic or hazardous weather conditions. 5. Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving. 6. Dial sensibly and assess the traffic; if possible, place calls when you are not moving or before pulling into traffic. 7. Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may divert your attention from the road. 8. Dial 9-1-1 or another emergency number to report serious emergencies - - it's free from your wireless phone! 9. Use your phone to help others in emergencies. 10. Call roadside assistance or a special non-emergency number when necessary. BellSouth Cellular Corp. companies, BellSouth Mobility (BMI) and American Cellular Communications Corporation (ACC), provide wireless communications services to more than 5.6 million customers in 12 states. BMI operates with its partners in eight Southeastern states. ACC markets operate under a variety of names in California, Texas, and Virginia, and as Cellular One in Indiana. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.bellsouthmobility.com . BellSouth Mobility DCS was the first company in the Southeast and the third company in the United States to offer the latest in PCS wireless technology. Since July 1996, it has provided PCS technology to the Carolinas and east Tennessee -- an area of more than 12 million people. In 1997, the company launched service in Savannah, Augusta and Brunswick, GA., as well as Hilton Head Island and Aiken, SC. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.bellsouthdcs.com .  