Businesses Get Involved in Federal Wireless Campaign

Two area businesses are teaming up give away hands-free mobile phone devices as part of the federal Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other campaign meant to curb ''distracted driving.''

The giveaway coincides with the national pilot program from March 26 to April 1 and an effort by state and local police to curb hand-held cell phone use while driving. 

Key Hyundai and Wireless Zone will be distributing 200 Bluetooth devices to those who pledge to drive ''distraction-free" while supplies last, at two locations: Key Hyundai at 21 Hartford Tnpk. on the Manchester-Vernon line, and the Wireless Zone store at 712 Main St., West Hartford. There will be 100 Bluetooth Devices at each location available during regular business hours.

“Stop by either location, sign a pledge and promise to drive distraction-free, and walk out with a Bluetooth. It’s that easy, but we want you to sign this pledge with intent,” Key Hyundai owner Jill Merriam said. “Promise to do your part, then do it. That’s all we ask.”

Connecticut and New York are the two test sites for the federal campaign, a national initiative by private and public entities to tackle distracted driving.

“Distracted driving is a major initiative that we are undertaking across the country, and one that we believe will make our roads significantly safer,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a news release.  “Decades of experience with drunk driving has taught us it takes a consistent combination of education, effective enforcement, a committed judiciary and collective efforts by local, state and national advocates to put a dent in the problem.  Efforts like this one will help us put an end to distracted driving, and we encourage your support of this program to help save lives in your community.”