Have you seen this Public Service Announcement about texting while driving? It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s 4 minutes of heart wrenching, graphic and horribly sad “lessons” about what can and will happen if you text on your cell phone while operating a car. Be careful you don’t have little ones nearby if you decide to watch it.
I guess this video PSA was created by the Gwent, Wales Police Department to target teenagers and show the dangers of texting and driving. I am reading in so many places about how it’s a “powerful message” and one that will be listened to. But do you really think that?
I think people, and teenagers in particular have that “indestructible” attitude. I think kids are going to watch this video, think “that’s horrible…but it will never happen to me.” And then go on about their business…texting away. Heck, they are probably texting about this video.
The Gwent Police Department has wonderful intentions. I do think this is a powerful message and needed to be shared. I think that it should be shown to all teenagers in drivers education (do they even have drivers ed anymore?). But I also remember watching those other graphic movies…”Red Asphalt” I think they were called. But I don’t remember their message and they didn’t make me a better, less distracted driver.
I remember laughing about them with my friends. We didn’t text then.
What do you think about this PSA? Do you think it will make a difference? I hope it does. But I don’t think it will.
I’m not sure if it will make a difference but I do think that as parents we need to at least get our teens to watch it. Maybe a trip to a critical care unit would make an impression. I know we all have that “it won’t happen to me” attitude but when it happened to me I was a basket case for months. I slide on some ice and was broadsided by another car. The lady driving the other car was killed and my mom who was sitting in the passenger seat – the side that got hit- ended up with a broken pelvis. Physically I only had a cut on my leg that needed stitches. but mentally I was in bad shape. I couldn’t get behind the wheel without shaking for months. If there was snow or ice I wasn’t going anywhere. I have gotten over it but thereare still times when I am back in Iowa in the winter and have a really hard time driving if there is snow on the ground.
Wow, Aggie! How scary for you! My aunt had a terrible accident that really shook her up, too. But I had an accident when I was 17 and I don’t remember it all all. So it didn’t leave me with any “lessons.”
I’m so glad that you and your mom were okay (mostly). ((hugs))
I’ve seen that! It probably won’t kick the texting while driving habit for most teens but it damn sure did for me. Yes, I know, I’m awful. But I’m not anymore!
I think it’s adults as well as teens that need to listen and watch this PSA. How many times have you seen an adult driving down the road texting? I think it is crazy to take your eyes off the road for a second. I recently ran a red light on accident because my kids were fighting in the back seat. I have NEVER done that and I was mortified! What if I got in an accident?? Any distractions while driving can result in just unimaginable consequences.
I hope people will change their habits!