Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Oprah has launched a No Phone Zone Pledge taken by almost 50,000 people in an effort aimed at battling car accidents caused by distracted drivers.
As reported on Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced earlier this month the launch of FocusDriven, the first nationwide agency dedicated to reducing distracted driving by eliminating cell phones.
The government estimates that 1 in every 6 fatal accidents were caused by distracted drivers last year — killing almost 6,000 and injuring more than 500,000 motorists.
“I pledge to make my car a No Phone Zone,” Oprah’s pledge states. “Beginning right now, I will do my part to help put an end to distracted driving by not texting or using my phone while driving. I will ask other drivers I know to do the same. I pledge to make a difference.”
As the Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes reported earlier this month, Illinois is a leader in the fight against distracted driving — making it illegal to text while driving in Illinois and outlawing the use of cell phones in school zones and construction sites. The use of cell phones by drivers has been illegal in the City of Chicago for several years.
The talk show host is also featuring distracted-driving accidents on an episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” according to the Chicago Sun Times.
Winfrey said in a statement that she is “passionate” about the issue and asked viewers to spread the message to their families, friends, co-workers and community, adding that she wants people to know “how absolutely stupid it is that we continue to text and drive.”
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, the Chicago car accident lawyers and the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.