Minnesota WIRELESS Foundation

Dedicated to educating the public about the safe and responsible use of wireless technology

Join us!

Lots of things cause auto crashes...but distracted driving is a major problem. In 2003, 16,000 motor vehicle crashes in Minnesota involved “driver inattention.” Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) estimates that driver distraction causes 30 percent of all traffic crashes. Cell phones attract a lot of attention as a major driver distraction. But research sponsored by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that cell phones come in 8th on a list of common driving distractions, that also includes eating, drinking, radios, smoking, grooming, reading, and conversations with other passengers. Safe driving requires concentration. You can make a difference.
 

Since our inception in 2000, we’ve:

	Collected used wireless phones to donate to domestic violence shelters
	Sponsored a new picture book to teach young children how to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency
	Prepared and distributed a brochure about unintentional 9-1-1 dialing
	Sponsored a billboard campaign about distracted driving
	Distributed “Who’s Driving” information packets to driving schools statewide
	Distributed more than 600 “Concentrate on Driving” signs to high schools and businesses

In 2004, our efforts focus around distracted driving. Minnesota Wireless Foundation strategies include outreach, education and events. Our members include both wireless service companies and manufacturers of wireless products. Also essential to achieving our mission are our other members: law enforcement agencies, consumer safety organizations, and travel and transportation associations. We target high impact audiences and leverage the information and distribution systems of our members.

With your help, we can reach millions of Minnesotans with the facts about distracted driving. Join us. Help us spread the word.

“Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for children, teens and adults up to age 34. Most traffic crashes can be prevented by driving defensively! Slow down, buckle up and pay attention!”

—Carol Bufton, President, Minnesota Safety Council
 

“I want my company and our employees to be part of the solution—part of what helps people remember day in and day out to ‘Concentrate on Driving.’”
—Robert Eddy, Chairman and CEO of Cellular Mobile Systems, St. Cloud, Minnesota
 

“In 2001, the month after the ‘Concentrate on Driving’ billboard campaign, we experienced the lowest number of traffic fatalities in a decade.”
—Tina Folch, Minnesota Department of Public Safety
 

“All drivers engage in some kind of distracting activity while driving. Sure, not every distraction leads to a crash. But if you are distracted just when someone pulls out in front of you, the result can be tragic.”
—Gail Weinholzer, Director of Public Affairs, AAA Minnesota/Iowa
 

Remember, the best defense against distracted drivers is a seat belt! Buckling up is the single most effective action you can take against risky driving on America’s roadways!

Membership Details

Members: Wireless carriers
$2,000 membership fee (which can include a position on the board)

Associate members: Other companies serving the
wireless industry—product manufacturers,
suppliers, vendors, consultants

	Gold $1,000
	Silver $250
	Bronze $100

We have created a Membership brochure & sign-up form in an Adobe PDF format, click our links, print it, fill it out and send it in. Join us today!

Member Brochure & Application

Associate Member Application