8 in 10 Americans believe cell phones are addictive, says the National Safety Council

#CallsKill campaign asks Americans to break the habit behind the wheel, including hands-free calls

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Apr 01, 2015, 02:00 ET

ITASCA, Ill., April 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A National Safety Council public opinion poll found more than eight in 10 Americans believe cell phones are addictive, underscoring the need to help drivers kick their cell phone use habit – even hands-free. The Council is launching a national campaign, Calls Kill, to illustrate that hands-free cell phones are not risk-free, and no call is worth a life. Visit nsc.org/CallsKill for downloadable posters, infographics, videos, tip sheets and other information related to this important topic.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7398051-nsc-cell-phone-calls-kill/

The campaign launch coincides with Distracted Driving Awareness Month, observed each April.

Quotes: Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council

(Follow Deborah @NSCSafety and email [email protected] to request an interview)

"For far too long, we have prioritized convenience over safety."
"When we get behind the wheel, we have an obligation to keep one another safe. Drivers who justify cell phone use with the hands-free myth are disregarding that obligation. It's time to reconcile the cost of being constantly connected with the consequences of risky behavior behind the wheel."

Calls Kill targets hands-free use because eight in 10 drivers mistakenly believe hands-free devices are safer. Drivers who are talking on cell phones – even hands-free – are too cognitively distracted by the conversation to adequately focus on the task of driving.

As part of the Calls Kill campaign, the Council urges drivers to take the Focused Driver Challenge and pledge to drive cell free. Drivers who take the pledge will be entered into weekly drawings to win prizes.

About the National Safety Council

Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities.

SOURCE National Safety Council