A more recent development in this technology is cellular transmitter location, which is used to assist agencies in pinpointing approximate whereabouts of investigated. This sort of investigation technique was first used in a very high profile case in United Kingdom, namely murder of two young girls in a town called Soham called Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells, (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2201146.stm). This technology is relatively new and although proved in a British court of law, does not necessarily mean that it is accepted throughout world. There are of course downsides to this technology. Simply by passing mobile phone in question to a colleague or accomplice with a disregard for law would mean that phone in question would be in another place at time of a phone call, and therefore not be at scene of crime in question. There is also problem with ‘Pay-As-You-Go’ type of phones, which have no legal tie to owner. This is something which is still to be addressed.

Author: Simon Steggles Director Disklabs Data Recovery and Computer Forensics including Mobile Phone Forensics http://www.disklabs.com http://www.mobilephoneforensics.com http://www.satnavforensics.com

"If automobile had followed same development cycle as computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get one million miles to gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside." - Robert X Cringely

Place your phone within relatively easy reach so you don't have to fumble for it. You might not be able to get phone without taking your attention off road. The safest way to handle calls while you are driving is to let your voice mail pick up call. You can always call whomever it was that called you. Do not take notes, or look for a phone number while driving. If you absolutely must dial a number while driving punch two or three numbers then look at road and so on.

Cell phones operate using radio frequencies (RF) to make and receive calls. Government standards call for a low SAR. If it is a high number there is a serious risk of radiation emissions from your phone into your ear. High emissions heat tissue in very much same manner as a microwave oven does. This essentially cooks tissue. On other hand however, low emissions have not been proven to cause any health risks. You can minimize amount of exposure to radiation by properly using your antenna or not blocking it. If an antenna is blocked it begins to heat up and radiation only has one place to go your ear. Usually if you hold your phone at bottom of phone you probably won't block your antenna.

You can use your cell phone to call for help in event of an emergency; emergency calls are free. Use your cell phone to be a 'Good Samaritan.' If you see an accident, a car on side of road with mechanical trouble, or a crime in progress, call 911. If someone is in danger you can call 911 as well. An example of this follows: while driving across a bridge I noted that a group of kids jumping from edge of bridge into water below. There were sharp rocks below and anything could have happened.

Identity theft is also a serious concern with cellular phones. There is technology available that enables recording of your frequencies, they are then decoded, and can be programmed into another phone using your information. People have been known to run up astronomical bills using this method. In recent weeks a new device has come on market that jams cell phone signals rendering cell phones in a radius of just a few miles useless. Be responsible, be safe, and be a considerate cell phone user.