No Phone Zone

Oprah had a very powerful subject on her show on Monday. It was about talking on the cell phone and texting while driving. They had several people on the show who were telling their stories about how their family members were killed by someone because the driver was distracted by either talking on the phone or texting. It was so heartbreaking and eye-opening at the same time. I knew that texting was very dangerous to do while driving but I never thought about the act of talking on the cell phone and what devastating impact it can have. A 9 year old girl was run over and killed by a lady talking on her cell phone and there was also a lady who was telling the story of how her mom was killed by someone who ran a red light while talking on the phone. Apparently, we are 4 times more likely to have a car accident while talking on the phone (this is the same odds as driving drunk), and 8 times more likely to have an accident while texting! These were all deaths that could have 100% been avoided.

Oprah started a No Phone Zone pledge on her website to encourage viewers to stop talking/texting on the phone while driving. I took the pledge and I have also committed not to talk to anyone while they are in their car on the phone. Ever since becoming a parent I have been more aware of my mortality and the mortality of other people. I feel sympathy and pain on a totally different level now when I hear of deaths, especially if a child is involved or if it is a sudden, unexpected death. This show was an awakening for me and I encourage you also to make the No Phone Zone pledge. It could save a life.