Oprah Winfrey and Progressive's "No Phone Zone"

During her show today (Jan. 22), Oprah Winfrey announced that Progressive is sponsoring the No Phone Zone campaign, an awareness campaign designed to educate drivers on the dangers of cell phone use while driving. Drivers are encouraged to visit www.oprah.com/nophonezone to sign a pledge to not use cell phones while driving.

Ms. Winfrey launched the campaign January 15, and already, over 45,000 people have signed the pledge.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, close to 500,000 people are injured and 6,000 are killed each year as a result of drivers talking, texting, or e-mailing while behind the wheel.

“This sponsorship fits well with our brand. We encourage all drivers to operate their vehicles safely,” states Karen Barone, Agency Distribution leader. “In fact, we feel so strongly about this that Progressive employees are prohibited from using any electronic equipment, including cell phones, while driving on behalf of Progressive.”

For more information--or if you'e like to sign the pledge yourself--please visit www.oprah.com/nophonezone.

Cell Phone Enabled GPS Tracking Device Created by Teen

At just 20 years old, Jonathan Fischer has created a Cell Phone GPS Teen Tracking Device which measures speed, curfew, and off-limit areas.

It works by having a black box installed in the vehicle. Anytime you speed or break other agreements it sends an annoying alert through the teen's cell phone.

Fischer began working on the device at 16 year of age after a local teen driver was killed behind the wheel due to speeding. He's won awards and even a hefty prize of $20,000 for his business plan.

The device is a pricey $250 to start and then $15 per month after. But a distinctive feature is in the GPS. Mapping lets the box know what the speed limit is on any given road, so if for example, you're going 10 miles over anywhere it will send the alert.

To learn more: www.livefastdriveslow.com.

New Technology to Disable Teen Cell Use While Driving

Aegis Mobility Inc. has developed a new software called DriveAssist which would be used to essentially disable teen cell phone use while driving.

The device would block inbound calls and text messages while in motion and would deliver them once motion has ceased with the exception of 911 emergency calls.

Aegis was created with assistance from Dave Teater whose 12 year old son was killed when a 20 year old nanny driving a Hummer rear ended them while talking on her cell phone. Now, his loss may save many others from losing their lives or suffering injury.

DriveAssists is supported by Windows Mobile and Symbian-based phones. There are plans to expand to other wireless networks early next year.

You can find out more by vising Aegis Mobility online at: www.aegismobility.com