Parrot Supports Oprah's 'No Phone Zone' Pledge to Combat Distracted Driving

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Parrot, the market leader for wireless mobile phone devices, has voiced the company's support of Oprah Winfrey's "No Phone Zone" campaign to drive awareness of the dangers of texting while driving and applauds Michigan's legislature for today signing a bill banning texting while driving.

April 30 is "No Phone Zone Day" and individuals can pledge not to text or use a handheld phone while driving.  To commemorate, Parrot's U.S. employees have taken the "No Phone Zone" pledge to practice responsible driving.

"Parrot believes the best way to drive is free from all unnecessary distractions and encourages drivers to pull over before responding to a text or making a phone call," said Kelly Zachos, director of marketing North America for Parrot. "If you must make a call while driving, use a hands-free device and keep both hands on the wheel."

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.  Regardless of the repeated warnings, drivers continue to use cell phones while driving and this trend is not changing.  In fact, a study by Nationwide Mutual Insurance determined that 81 percent of cell phone owners acknowledged that they talk on phones while driving.

Parrot provides the most comprehensive suite of hands free options, from installed car stereos with a hidden iPod compartment to cordless hands-free kits that slide onto a visor.

For less than the cost of most tickets for hands-free violations, the Parrot Minikit Slim is a portable Bluetooth hands-free kit that can be used in the car, in the office and at home. Its highly intuitive interface automatically connects to a Bluetooth phone when nearby.

Other options from Parrot include the installed MKi9200, which provide hands-free calling, automatic phone book download and voice activation, as well as streaming audio from an iPod or MP3 device; and the Parrot RKi8400, a full stereo system with hidden iPhone or iPod storage and connection.

To find out more about the Parrot's hands-free Bluetooth technology, visit www.parrot.com.

About PARROT

Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, stands on the cutting edge of innovation. The company was founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux as part of his determination to drive the inevitable breakthrough of mobile phones into everyday life by creating high-quality, user-friendly wireless devices for easy living. Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free systems on the market for cars, motorbikes and scooters, including wireless multimedia products geared towards audiovisual applications. In 2008, Parrot launched a new prestige line of high-end products bearing the hallmark of renowned artists. Parrot, headquartered in Paris, currently employs 450 people worldwide and generates 85% of its sales overseas.

Parrot is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris since 2006.

www.parrot.com

Euronext Paris – Eurolist C: FR0004038263 – PARRO

SOURCE Parrot