News Release

National Safety Council Praises ExxonMobil for Enacting Cell Phone Policy

Itasca, IL - The National Safety Council today praised Exxon Mobil Corporation for its safety leadership in enacting a ban on cell phone use by ExxonMobil employees and contractors while driving on company business. The new policy was implemented by ExxonMobil in conjunction with the company's recognition of National Safety Month.

"ExxonMobil has again demonstrated its safety leadership by recognizing a significant driving hazard and acting to reduce this hazard for their thousands of employees and contractors who operate motor vehicles and travel on company business," said Alan C. McMillan, President of the National Safety Council.

The new policy was developed after ExxonMobil commissioned an analysis of available science on cell phone use that concluded talking on a cell phone significantly degrades driving performance. The ExxonMobil report analyzing cell phone research is available at the National Safety Council website.

"This action by ExxonMobil concurs with the policy of the National Safety Council that states that best practice is to not use a cell phone while driving" McMillan said. "The Council's policy also recommends that employers assess whether to allow employees to use cell phones and other devices while driving, and if so, what sensible restrictions should be followed. ExxonMobil has demonstrated that the safety and health of its employees and contractors is a key corporate value and we applaud them for that."

The National Safety Council is a nonprofit, nongovernmental, international public service organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health. Members of NSC include more than 45,000 businesses, labor organizations, schools, public agencies, private groups and individuals. Founded in 1913, and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1953, the primary focus of the NSC is preventing injuries that occur in workplaces, homes, communities and motor vehicles. For more information about the NSC, visit the website at www.nsc.org or contact your local NSC chapter.