Plantronics to Oahu Drivers: Keep Both Hands on the Wheel When Talking!

SANTA CRUZ, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- Jul 01, 2009 -- Headset manufacturer Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) is encouraging all residents of and visitors to Oahu, Hawaii to keep both hands on the wheel by following Honolulu's new hands-free law that bans the use of handheld mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. The new legislation, which goes into effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, is a Honolulu city law that will be enforced across Oahu.

Talking on a cell phone in the car is routine for many of today's busy drivers. With the use of hands-free devices like wireless headsets, these drivers can continue to enjoy the convenience of making calls on the road while keeping both hands on the wheel. Residents and those planning to vacation in Oahu this summer should consider the following safety tips while using a headset and driving:

--  Have a Trial Run: Practice using your phone and headset together
    before you drive. Familiarize yourself with the headset controls. Adjust
    the fit and the microphone on your headset, check the headset settings on
    your cell phone and stow the phone so it's out of your way but still
    accessible.
--  Be Prepared: Program all of your frequently called numbers into your
    phone. That includes your boss, your kids' babysitter and your favorite
    neighborhood pizza place. And don't forget about voice dialing; most phones
    have that option, so use it as much as possible.
--  Set Up for Success: Just as you check your rearview mirror and secure
    your seatbelt before driving, be sure to put your headset on and ensure
    it's connected properly to your phone.
--  Remember That Driving Comes First: Always keep in mind that your first
    priority is driving. You should only place and receive calls when it's
    absolutely necessary.
    

"Plantronics understands that different drivers have different needs, so we offer an array of headset models that fit various lifestyle requirements and personal preferences while consistently delivering excellent audio quality, comfort and convenience," said Renee Niemi, general manager and vice president of Mobile & Entertainment for Plantronics. "Regardless of the type of the headset they choose, we are happy to know that drivers across Oahu will be keeping both hands on the wheel with this new legislation."

Among the headsets available to Oahu drivers is the new Plantronics Voyager® PRO Bluetooth® headset, which provides the most advanced noise-canceling and wind noise reduction technology on the market. Awarded coveted Editor's Choice awards by CNET and PC Magazine, the Plantronics Voyager PRO features two noise-canceling mics, AudioIQ² technology with an adaptive 20-band equalizer, and three layers of WindSmart® technology to ensure that Oahu commuters and visitors hear every word on a call and little background noise. This extremely comfortable, behind-the-ear headset reflects Plantronics' 40-plus years of commitment to headset engineering excellence.

The Voyager PRO is available at Best Buy and Sprint stores today in Hawaii. For a complete listing of Plantronics' products, please visit www.plantronics.com.

Plantronics recognizes that there are occasions when driving circumstances make talking on a mobile phone -- handheld or hands-free -- unsafe. In these instances, motorists should pull over or hang up to protect the safety of themselves, their passengers and others on the road.

About Plantronics

In 1969, a Plantronics headset carried the historic first words from the moon: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Since then, Plantronics has become the headset of choice for mission-critical applications such as air traffic control, 911 dispatch and the New York Stock Exchange. Today, this history of innovation is the basis for every audio product we build for the office, contact center, personal mobile, entertainment and residential markets. The Plantronics family of brands includes Plantronics, Altec Lansing and Clarity. For more information, go to www.plantronics.com or call (800) 544-4660.

Altec Lansing, Clarity, Plantronics, AudioIQ², Plantronics Voyager, and WindSmart are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. The Bluetooth trademark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of the mark by Plantronics, Inc. is under license.

For additional information:

Dan Race
Plantronics, Inc.
831-458-7005
dan.race@plantronics.com