GreatCall® 5Star™ Safety Survey Reveals Americans Slacking on Summer Safety

GreatCall, Inc., a leader in wireless services focused on helping its customers stay connected, safe and healthy, today announced more results of the company’s 5Star Safety survey, conducted by TNS Global in conjunction with the National Safety Council’s National Safety Month. The national independent Omnibus poll of 1,000 U.S. adults found that Americans are woefully unprepared to deal with the additional safety risks of summer travel.

According to the survey, 83% say they fear being approached by a stranger late at night, but an alarming 42% admitted they would simply ignore the stranger with the hope that they’d be left alone.

In fact, a full 76% of respondents acknowledge that they are unprepared to effectively respond to an accident or attack that threatens their well-being. Other summer mishaps that Americans most fear include:

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  60% -- Walking alone in an unfamiliar part of town
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  38% -- Realizing they have forgotten their cell phone while traveling and are unable to contactc family or friends
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  37% -- Running out of gas while driving late at night

Studies show that accidents and crime increase in the summer. As people become more relaxed on vacation, precautions and common sense can take a back seat to summer fun, and as travelers find themselves in unknown surroundings, risks increase.

“Summer is an ideal setting for spending quality time with family and friends, but you still need to be thinking about safety,” said Patrick Adams, Director of Safety and Products at GreatCall. “We just want to remind people, as the survey has proven, that it’s always smart to plan ahead and be prepared.”

To keep you and your family confident and secure, no matter where you may be traveling to this summer, GreatCall, the creators of the 5Star Urgent Response™ safety service, a cell phone-based, mobile personal emergency response system, recommends four easy-to-implement and plan-ahead tips:

Let Someone Know

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  Have your itinerary pre-planned as much as possible so you know where you will be staying and how you will get there. Give family and friends a copy so they can reach you in an emergency and know where you are.

Secure Your Car

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  Become familiar with your travel route before you start driving and make sure that your car is in good operating condition. Always be sure the gas tank is at least half full, keep your doors locked while you are driving, and only park in well-lighted areas.

Be Aware

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  Know where the nearest hospital and police station is located, and be sure that you have insurance and medical information on hand. Make a note of emergency telephone numbers you may need, such as police, fire, your hotel, and if abroad, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Blend In With the Locals

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  Leave valuables at home and dress in a way that doesn’t draw attention. Avoid expensive-looking jewelry and souvenir t-shirts. Keep a low profile and don’t use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets.

For more information on GreatCall’s 5Star Urgent Response service, please visit: https://www.greatcall.com/services-apps

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About the TNS Global Survey

This survey was conducted by TNS between May 25 – 30, 2011 on the Online Express Omnibus among 1,000 adults age 18 and over.

About GreatCall, Inc.

GreatCall differentiates itself as a company of “People You Can Count On” to deliver wireless services focused on helping to keep customers connected, safe and healthy™. The company stands apart from other wireless services providers through its simplified, personalized and humanized approach, as well as its commitment to providing a highquality customer service experience. The company has been widely praised for its ability to deliver the benefits of innovation and technology in a meaningful and easy-to-use format. GreatCall has received prominent national media accolades from the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, The New York Times, Washington Post and major TV broadcast networks.

GreatCall’s services, apps and cell phone handsets are sold nationwide at leading retailers such as Best Buy, Sears, Sears Hometown Stores, Radio Shack Dealer Franchise, Fry’s Electronics and ShopKo, as well as direct to consumers at 1-800-918-8543 and online at GreatCall.com Service coverage includes the U.S. and Canada. GreatCall is located in San Diego, CA. For more information, please visit www.GreatCall.com.