America’s New Deadly Obsession

I’m Guilty of America’s New Deadly Obsession – Are You, too?

It was as if I just had ice water thrown in my face.  I was guilty on all counts and charges.  I had unwittingly set myself up for looking death straight in the eye and had selfishly placed my friends, family and people I didn’t know in jeopardy too.

Like most of you, I’m always working to save on time and ways to multi-task to get things done.  My car has become a sort of office away from home, allowing me the mobility to speak to clients, colleagues and family.  I have even, at times, responded to a text message while driving.

Pure stupidity.

What I didn’t realize was the frightening statistics of using a cell phone while driving.  After watching a recent recorded show of Oprah Winfrey focusing on “America’s Deadly Obsession”, I took the Oprah pledge and have made it my mission to get everyone I love to take the pledge too.  I’m hoping after you read this article, that it will prompt you to action also.

We all know the devastating results of driving under the influence of alcohol.  Innocent people are killed, maimed, lose their loved ones, and carry unshakable guilt.   A drunk driver is 4 times more likely to be in an accident than someone not drinking.

Here’s the downright terrifying news.   Talking on your cell phone while driving, whether using your handheld, a Bluetooth, or speaker, places you in the same high risk as a drunk driver.  Texting intensifies the statistics to 8 times more likely to get into an accident.

Oprah is using her powerful platform to get this message out and ask for your pledge.  Go to Oprah’s site right now and make the commitment:

“I pledge to make my car a No Phone Zone. Beginning right now, I will do my part to help put an end to distracted driving by not texting or using my phone while I am driving.  I will ask other drivers I know to do the same.  I pledge to make a difference.”

Save a life.  It may be a child, a mother, a spouse, a friend, or a complete stranger.  Or your own. Think about your responsibility to your family, friends, and those you don’t even know.   Don’t wait until it’s too late.  Become a shining example and do not use your phone while driving.  Take the pledge now. I did.

Warm regards,

Alicia Bausley
Empowered Business Entrepreneurs, LLC

P.S. I made my business partner take the pledge too.  No more brainstorming sessions while we’re running errands and rushing off to meetings.  It’s was difficult at first to make the adjustment, but now we are fine.  And most importantly, we are safe.  Please, if you hate drunk drivers on the road, take the pledge now.