Nationwide, half of all Americans use cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Studies have found that using cell phones while operating a motor vehicle is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. The risk associated with using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle has even led to some states such as New York and Connecticut to pass laws banning cell phone use while driving. In North Carolina there currently is a law in place that bans drivers under the age of 18 from operating a cell phone while driving. Recently, the General Assembly passed a new law that prohibits drivers from text messaging while operating a motor vehicle.

In January 2009, Oprah Winfrey started a program called the “No Phone Zone” where drivers can sign a pledge to make their car a no phone zone. So far 114,055 drivers have committed to make their vehicle a “No Phone Zone.” The pledge allows drivers to pledge that they will not text while driving and find safer alternatives to talk on the telephone such as using a hands-free device or pulling over to the side of the road to talk on the cell phone. The Cornelius Police Department supports drivers taking safer communications measures on the roads to prevent fatal accidents from occurring. Do your part in making the roads a safer place and sign the “No Phone Zone” pledge by visiting the following website: : http://www.oprah.com/questionaire/ipledge.html?id=4.