No Phone Zone to Highlight Distracted Driving Problem

Oprah's influence has spread from Chicago to Austin, as the Texas Department of Transportation signs on as a partner in her "No Phone Zone" day tomorrow, April 30.

TxDOT plans to use signs all along Texas highways to promote putting down the cell phone while driving, with a particular emphasis on not texting while driving. Digital dynamic message signs will bear the messages, "Make Your Vehicle a No Phone Zone," or "Drive Now. Text or Talk Later."

More than 100,000 crashes were caused by distracted driving in Texas in 2008. Distracted driving includes not only cell phone use, but also talking with other people in the car, eating, smoking using dashboard controls, or simply reaching for something in their vehicle.

"There were 524 deaths in Texas in 2008 because of driver distraction," said Terry Pence, director of TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Program. "The statewide messages will remind drivers that April 30 is a no phone zone day, but we hope that all Texans will think about putting away the cell phones every time they get behind the wheel-not just on April 30."

You can visit distraction.gov for more information on distracted driving, or see Oprah's original "No Phone Zone" message below.