1-800-265-3200
51
CSA TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE
Receiving “cash” or reduced/free golf course fees and/or membership dues for the season in exchange
for:
•
•
Golf course marshal
Violation could result in deportation as well as a ban on returning to the U.S.
Driving With a Cellular Telephone
When driving any distance from home a cellular telephone could be a life saver. Today, cell phones
come in many different makes and models with a wide variety of features and airtime packages.
If you intend to use your cell phone for only emergency use, a basic “no-frills” cell phone unit, with
a minimal airtime package, can be surprisingly affordable. Some basic units do not even require
a monthly airtime contract, but operate with pre-paid airtime cards that you only need to top-up
based on your usage.
When the unforeseen happens...
•
•
Mechanical breakdown requiring roadside assistance or a towing service
•
•
Medical emergency
•
•
Personal safety or security matter requiring the police
•
•
Bad weather, traffic congestion or road construction causing a significant delay in arriving at
your destination or a significant detour to your trip itinerary
•
•
Family emergency back home and you are still in-transit to your final destination
When selecting a cell phone unit, remember to purchase (usually sold separately) a car cigarette
lighter charger in case you ever require your telephone while travelling and discover a low battery
signal.
You will also need to purchase (if not included with the cell phone accessories) a hands-free headset
for speaking while driving. Due to increased public road safety concern with distracted drivers, many
Canadian provinces and U.S. states, and, increasingly, U.S. cities, have passed (or are considering)
legislation that would make it an offense to operate a cell phone while driving unless it is hands-free
and barring drivers from text messaging, instant messaging and accessing email services on wireless
communication devices while driving.
Effective July 1, 2008 in California, for example, motorists must use hands-free devices when using a
cell phone while driving. Fines of $20 are levied for a first offence and $50 for subsequent offences. At
the time of printing, a new bill with increased fines is being proposed.
Lastly, when selecting a cell phone unit for the first time, ensure that you purchase a digital – not
straight analog – unit to reduce the risk of “cloning”. Although technology changes rapidly and
the proliferation of digital-only cell phones and smartphones has only increased over time, very
inexpensive or disposable cell phone models may still be analog only.
A cell phone contains an electronic serial number that is sent to the closest transmission tower even
when you are not actively talking. Unlike digital cell phones that employ encryption to secure the
phone unit as well as your conversation, analog units transmit in plain FM thereby affording no
protection. This critical information could be casually picked up by someone with a scanner who in
turn uses your cellular ID (cloning) to make calls on their cell phone with you receiving the bill.