National Press Release

ALPHARETTA, Ga., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The roadways can be a dangerous place. As The 2005 US Census reported, Georgia ranks fifth nationally for motor vehicle fatalities. In honor of Wireless Safety Week June 2 - 9, Verizon Wireless, the builder and operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, is encouraging Georgians to drive more safely by partnering with the Georgia Department of Economic Development to give away free ear buds at most Welcome Centers statewide.

Each year, the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) designates one week as Wireless Safety Week to raise awareness of safety issues involving wireless communications -- including cell phone use while driving.

"We want all Georgians to enjoy traveling with family and friends during the summer and remember to use caution on roadways. Today's travelers must be vigilant in the hopes of reducing the number of cell phone-related accidents," says Jeff Mango, president Verizon Wireless Georgia/Alabama Region. "Our company is proud to be working with the Georgia Department of Economic Development to distribute free wireless ear buds to travelers during Wireless Safety Week at many of our state's Welcome Center locations. We strongly encourage travelers to use them if they have to make or receive a call while driving."

The US Census reports that the amount of accidents on public roadways in Georgia have increased by 11% between 2000 and 2005 with 1,541 and 1,729 vehicle accident deaths respectively. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that cell phone use contributes to 25 percent of all vehicle crashes today.

    Verizon Wireless also offers travelers these safety tips:
    -- Remember -- safe driving is always your first responsibility when
       behind the wheel.
    -- Never view or send text messages, or video downloads while driving.
    -- Program important and frequently dialed numbers into your phone to take
       advantage of speed dialing and voice dialing features on your phone.
    -- For travel that includes long car rides, purchase a car charger and
       headset to ensure the phone is always fully charged and that you can
       talk "hands-free" if you choose to make or receive a call.
    -- Travelers can sign up for Roadside Assistance, a monthly service from
       Verizon Wireless, that gives customers a link to useful automotive
       services, such as a battery boost, tire service, fuel delivery, towing,
       lockout service, and vehicle extrication. On call 24 hours a day,
       7 days a week, Roadside Assistance is associated specifically with the
       wireless phone number to which it is assigned so the service follows
       the phone, allowing anyone with the covered phone the assistance they
       need when they need it.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 67.2 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast- quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless