Oprah's Op-Ed in the New York Times Today

Way back in November, Cooper and I went to Chicago for the taping of Oprah's show on distracted driving (it aired in January).

Oprah's senior producer had invited us because we'd been in touch about TheMotherhood’s campaign to reduce distracted driving, Mom Sends The Msg, and recommended people she might interview and include in the segment.

The reason I'm bringing this up now is during the 'after show' I asked Oprah a question that, as it turns out, ties into the great op-ed Oprah wrote for the New York Times today, called Dnt Txt N Drv, about the dangers of using your cellphone while driving. 

Here's what happened at Harpo Studios. 

The show itself was an intense and emotional hour and a half – no surprise given the topic - and afterward, Oprah took off her high-heels and curled up in her chair to talk with us, her audience. She was relaxed, found ways to lighten the moment, talked about how much the issue of distracted driving mattered to her (“texting and driving is just dumb” …”everyone thinks they can handle it”), asked to hear some of the personal stories from the audience and took questions.

The 'after show' was coming to a close when I decided to ask Oprah a question that had been on my mind: "Would you consider, if Harpo doesn’t have one already, putting a distracted driving policy in place before this show airs?”

And without missing a beat, Oprah answered, “Tomorrow.”

At this point, Oprah was leaning forward, focused, with both stockinged feet on the ground. We talked awhile about it - actually, I stood and she talked to me and all of us about how much it mattered to her that her employees not use their cellphones when behind the wheel. Audience members then raised their hands to tell their own stories about on-the-job, distracted driving scary stories and near misses, and Oprah was right there.

So today, when Oprah said in her op-ed, "... I instituted a policy at my company that forbids employees from using their phones for company business while driving," that moment in Harpo studios came rushing back. 

And here we are five months later, and Oprah is taking this on in such a big way and, as a result, many companies will put strict "No Phone Zone" policies in place, and we'll likely see more people pull over to the side of the road before talking on their cellphones and others who will even stop texting while driving (imagine that!).  All so cool.

Comments

[Melissa]

That's really, really cool - well the whole story is. The fact that you a. Got to meet Oprah and b. because you were on her show and c. because she actually took your suggestion. Really, really cool.

In NH, texting and driving was recently made a Class B Misdemeanor - something that is a crime (and more than say a speeding ticket) but which doesn't carry a jail sentence. I've already seen a bunch of people in court for it (I'm a lawyer) even though it is only a few months old.

[Ms. Mary Mack]

This is great. You're effecting change.(Plus, it's one of the better "I met Oprah" stories I've heard!)

I just filed a story for a major women's magazine about texting while driving. Slated to run later in the summer. I'll be sure to fwd it to TheMotherhood when it's out.

[Emily - TheMotherhood]

Melissa, it's so cool to hear you're already seeing the law in effect. Let's hope word spreads quickly - helped by the people who you're seeing in court!!!

[Emily - TheMotherhood]

Ms Mary Mack, That's fantastic!!!! I'm SO looking forward to reading your article!!! When you have a link, let me know and we'll put it up in TheMotherhood and on Mom Sends the Msg (www.momsmsg.com) too. So great!!!

[BeachMama]

I am in utter support of this. I have never really been one to talk much on the phone while driving, even though I have had a phone since the early '90s when it still came in a big bag. I have always had one for safety and have never sent a text while driving.

Why do people feel they need to get caught up with someone while on the road? turn up the music and have your own personal concert, like the good old days keep the phone calls for work and home.

Oh and in Ontario, Canada they passed a law for hands-free use of cell phones only, still see people texting and talking but not as many as a year ago.

[Emily]

BeachMama, I had the same phone in a bag!  And back then, the technology was so new it was practically unheard of to talk while driving - unless you were a studio exec driving on LA freeways.  Ancient history, I know.

[ericka @ alabaster cow]

hi from the mbc!

that is incredible! you've done a wonderful thing and have helped to make the roads safer. going to check out themotherhood.com now!

[Emily]

Hi Ericka, Thanks for your enthusiastic comment!  So looking forward to seeing you in TheMotherhood too!!

[Liz@thisfullhouse]

Yes, way cool...but, not surprising -- way to go, themotherhood.com!!!

[Emily]

Liz, you ROCK, girlfriend!!!  xoxo

[Yum Yucky]

I am guilty. And it stops. Today.

[Cooper]

I wish you all could have seen that moment when Emily asked Oprah about instituting a distracted driving employee policy at Harpo. It was INCREDIBLE. Oprah paused and thought. Then, it was like a light went off. Amazing to witness. She looked hard at Emily and firmly said, "Tomorrow." It was awesome. I was so proud of Emily.

[Emily]

Awww, Cooper, so nice!  The whole day was such an incredible experience, wasnt it?!  Wild and indelible. 

[Emily]

Yum Yucky, you ROCK!