Go hands-free this holiday season

Canadian Tire helps raise awareness for upcoming legislation by encouraging drivers to keep their eyes on the road

VANCOUVER , Dec. 7 /CNW/ - As British Columbia residents get ready for the hands-free legislation that comes into effect January 1 , Bluetooth devices are sure to top holiday wish lists this year. In preparation of the new legislation, Canadian Tire is raising awareness of the dangers of using handheld devices while driving and providing motorists with safe, affordable hands-free solutions.

Driver distraction is a leading factor in a significant number of crashes. A car can move up to 45 feet a second when travelling 50 kilometres an hour, making devices that divert a driver's eyes from the road extremely dangerous.

"The safety of our customers is of paramount importance to Canadian Tire," said Duncan Reith , senior vice president, Canadian Tire Retail. "To help encourage customers to go hands-free, Canadian Tire has been actively educating customers online, through the weekly flyer and with in-store signage, on the upcoming law and the alternatives that are available. There are many innovative products offered that make the perfect gift this holiday season."

With a full line of Bluetooth-enabled products (a technology that allows for hands-free communication so that drivers can keep their hands on the steering wheel while driving), Canadian Tire has a variety of innovative, safe and legal hands-free communication devices that make the perfect gift.

Rear-view Mirrors

Fitting over a regular rear-view mirror, the Bluetooth mirror conveniently syncs up with cell phones. The speakerphone component cancels echo and reduces noise, while the call and name display appears clearly in the mirror without compromising visibility.

Headsets

Bluetooth headsets are a light and liberating option for wireless communication. These small, devices enable drivers to talk without restricting mobility required for driving.

Speakerphone

The Bluetooth speakerphone provides flawless sound quality without a headset. The speakerphone clips firmly to the visor and has clearly designed quick-to-use function buttons that limit the amount of time a driver's eyes are taken off the road.

For more information on hands-free products, including ear pieces, clip on visor speakers and products that install quickly over the rear-view mirror - a central spot in the car - visit a local Canadian Tire store or canadiantire.ca.

Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (TSX: CTC, CTC.a), operates an inter-related network of businesses engaged in retail, financial services and petroleum. The Company operates more than 1,200 stores, gas bars and car washes, including the country's most-shopped general merchandise retailer. Canadian Tire Financial Services manages approximately 5 million Canadian Tire MasterCard accounts and markets related financial products and services for retail and petroleum customers. More than 57,000 Canadians work across Canadian Tire's organization from coast-to-coast in the enterprise's retail, financial services, and petroleum businesses.

For further information: Joanne Elson, Canadian Tire, [phone], [email protected]