Do you know the stats on distracted driving? They are not pretty. According to Distraction.gov in 2009, 5,474 people were killed on U.S. roadways and an estimated additional 448,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes that were reported to have involved distracted driving. Of those killed in distracted-driving-related crashed, 995 involved reports of a cell phone as a distraction. That is 995 people that would be alive today if these drivers had taken the pledge to make their car a no phone zone. This includes no texting while driving, and not talking on your cell phone, including hands free devices. Hands free devices have not proven to be less distracting.
The best way to avoid using your phone while driving is to turn it off while in the car, if that is not an option, turn the ringer off and check it while you are not in motion. If you have to return a call, please pull over in a parking lot and make sure you are off the road while using your cell phone.
If you have not already please take the No Phone Zone Pledge. This is not only a public safety issue, but if everyone worked to end distracted driving, we might even see the insurance rates drop for auto insurance.