For many, the time driving has turned into talk time as people use cellular phones to conduct business, work out schedules and check on children.

The Cellular Telecommunications Industry of America, a trade group for the wireless industry, says statistics show cell phones don't contribute to a large number of accidents, but admit they can be a distraction.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatal Accident Reporting System reported that of the 53,343 drivers involved in fatal accidents in 1993, 28 listed wireless phone use as a "driver-related factor." This compares to 11,019 cases of "driving too fast," 1,363 instances of "drowsy/asleep" and 3,402 drivers cited for "inattentiveness."

Still, talking on the phone can serve as a distraction for drivers. The wireless industry encourages callers to use a hands-free phone or speaker-phone while driving. This allows the user to keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while conversing. Users also are encouraged to employ the memory dialing function on their phones to minimize the potential for distraction.

Following are other safe driving tips.

* Make sure that your phone is positioned where it is easy to see and easy to reach. Be familiar with the operation of your phone so that you're comfortable using it on the road.

* Use the speed dialing feature to program-in frequently called numbers. Then you can make a call by touching only one or two buttons. Most phones will store up to 99 numbers.

* When dialing manually without the speed-dialing feature, dial only when stopped. If you can't stop, or pull over, dial a few digits, then survey traffic before completing the call. (Better yet, have a passenger dial.)

* Never take notes while driving. Pull off the road to a safe spot to jot something down.

* Let your wireless network's voice mail pick up your calls when it's inconvenient or unsafe to answer the car phone.

* Be a wireless Samaritan. Dialing 9-1-1 is a free call for wireless subscribers; use it to report crimes in progress or other potentially life-threatening emergencies, accidents or drunk drivers.