Distracted Driving Makes You a Deadly Weapon - Sign No Phone Zone Pledge

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Question: Doesn't your life and the lives of your passengers and everybody else on the road trump the need to be in on constant communication with others? If your answer is no, you have a big problem. Mobile phones are wonderful devices, however they have made too many people addicts. Yes, if you can't drive without using your cell phone, you are an addict and a danger to your self and others.

I have felt this way for years now. That is why I was so happy that Oprah has made this a personal crusade of hers. I am thrilled to be a messenger of her campaign. I know in my gut that distracted driving is terrible, but through Oprah's campaign, I now can share facts. After you read them, please sign the No Phone Zone pledge below.

From the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, "Every time someone takes their focus off the road, even for a second, they put their lives and the lives of others in danger. Distracted driving in irresponsible and its consequences can be devastating."

• In 2008, nearly 6,000 people dies in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver and more than 500,000 were injured.
• On any given day in 2008, more than 800,000 vehicles were driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone.
• More and more people are using a variety of hand-held devices while driving - cell phones, iPods, video games, Blackberrys and GPS systems.
• In particular, cell phone use for talking and texting is now more prevalent on our nations's roads, rail systems and waterways, carrying a dangerous potential for accidents.

Today begins the national No Phone Zone movement. It begins with getting as many people as possible to take the No Phone Zone pledge. You can do so with the Oprah widget above or you can visit the Oprah Winfrey Show Facebook Page or the Causes Facebook Page. You can also Text to Pledge by texting NPZ to 30644, but please don't do this while driving. Please pass the message along and become a champion of this important cause yourself. Please help to save lives.

See also:
Monitor Teens Distracted Driving: 3 Services to the rescue
Teens, Technology and Aging at Forward with Ford 2011