Google announced today that has provided mapping (via the Google Maps API) for a couple of highway safety initiatives around the use of cell phones in vehicles.
The first such initiative is Oprah’s "No Phone Zone", which lets users make a pledge under three different options: no texting, no texting plus handsfree calling only, and no phone use at all while driving. These pledges are then mapped in near real-time using the API, so others can see where and when these pledges were made.
![Google Maps No Phone Zones Google Maps No Phone Zones](https://i0.wp.com/img.ientry.com/webpronews/article_pics/no-phone-zone.jpg?ssl=1)
The second initiative is about educating people about state policies related to phone use on the road. There is another map in which users can click on a state to see restrictions on texting, handsfree, and handheld phone use. Users can then click through for more details from the Governors Highway Safety Association, or even contact a state Governor’s office directly.
![view policies on phone use view policies on phone use](https://i0.wp.com/img.ientry.com/webpronews/article_pics/phone-gov.jpg?ssl=1)
"Mobile communication has revolutionized the way we live, but unfortunately, irresponsible use has also made the roads more dangerous," says . "In 2008, nearly 6000 people lost their lives in the US and more than half a million people were injured in police-reported crashes during which some form of driver distraction was reported — and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, cell phone use was a major contributor to that."
I’ll go out on a limb and say Google does not want you to view these maps on your phone while you’re driving. Oprah’s site has more info about the No Phone Zone initiative.