Oprah Winfrey continues to promote the "No Phone Zone"

Oprah Winfrey continues to promote her “No Phone Zone” campaign that she started back in January of 2010. On a a special “No Phone Zone” page on Oprah.com, she continues to shed light on the dangers of distracted driving. During every show, Oprah encourages her guests to take the pledge and join the 144,216 viewers who have already done so.

Statistics show that talking on the phone or texting while driving is just as dangerous as driving drunk. Distracted driving continues to be a huge problem, especially among young drivers. However, kids learn from their parents. A recent study shows that 71% of people between 18 and 49 admit to texting or talking on the phone while driving. Each year, 500,000 people are injured, and 6,000 are killed by distracted drivers. However, only 29 states have any kind of law restricting texting and driving. It’s a huge problem, and a big concern for parents of teen drivers.

Oprah’s “No Phone Zone” pledge reads as follows:

“I pledge to make my car a No Phone Zone. Beginning right now, I will do my part to help put an end to distracted driving by pledging the safest driving behavior I can commit to.”

People can check one of the following three statements:

1. I will not text while I am driving.
   
2. I will not text while driving and will use only hands-free calling if I need to speak on the phone while I am driving.
   
3. I will not text or use my phone while driving. If I need to use my phone, I will pull over to the side of the road.

In Atlanta, WXIA is running a similar campaign called “The Great Hang Up.” The purpose of the campaign is to encourage teenagers, schools, moms, dads and businesses throughout metro Atlanta to join the movement and put an end to distracted driving. Education reporter Donna Lowry recently went to Pepperell High School to encourage students and teachers to take the pledge. Many Atlanta residents have already taken "The Great Hang Up" pledge, and have even shared their own personal stories about the dangers of distracted driving.

Georgia is on the verge of banning texting while driving. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, State Republicans Allen Peake and Amos Amerson introduced bills in the Georgia House that would prohibit the practice and come with a fine and driver's license penalties. AAA Auto Club South is backing the bills. The company's senior officials say the ban on texting is AAA's top legislative priority.

To read more about the dangers of distracted driving, click on the official U.S. government website for distracted driving.

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