North Attleboro Resident Summons Help For Panicked Motorist With Wireless Phone

WOBURN, MA — On a dark country road in the middle of the night, Kathy Gould didn't think twice about helping a frightened woman next to a smashed car. Within minutes the police, an ambulance and the stranded woman's husband arrived, thanks to Gould's kindness and wireless phone.

Erica Syr, of North Attleboro, Mass., was returning home after midnight when she hit a deer on Route 106 in Foxboro. Her car badly damaged, Syr was frightened and panicked, and miles away from the nearest phone. "She was standing in the rain waving her arms when I passed," said Gould, also of North Attleboro. "I stopped the car, knowing I could help her because of my wireless phone."

Syr hugged and thanked Gould. The two women returned to the warmth and security of Gould's car, where they first called for help and then for Syr's husband. Although the car was damaged, Syr was able to drive it home with her husband following.

"I don't know what I would have done without Kathy," said Syr. "I was very frightened, and felt so helpless." Soon after the accident, Syr purchased a Verizon Wireless phone. "I think everyone should have one, both for convenience and for security," she said.

This is not the first time Gould has used her wireless phone to help others. "When I see an accident along the highway, I call the police. I feel good knowing I'm helping others, without risking getting out of my car," said Gould. With a car that breaks down often, Gould said she has used her wireless phone several times to help herself as well.

To recognize her thoughtfulness and good citizenship, Verizon Wireless has announced it will honor Gould as part of Wireless Safety Week, May 21-28. Gould will receive a $100.00 service credit from the company.

According to the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA), it is estimated that 120,000 wireless 9-1-1 emergency calls are made daily across the country. That translates to one emergency call every 1.4 seconds.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 27 million wireless voice and data customers. The coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD), including Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless and PrimeCo Personal Communications. Verizon Wireless has a footprint covering more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 96 of the top 100 U.S. markets. The company, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 40,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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