A British public service announcement is getting a lot of air time these days, and not just on British television but on YouTube. The very graphic PSA depicts a horrific accident that begins with three teenage girls laughing and joking while the driver texts a friend. Of course the result is a head-on collision and several people dying.
The spot is broadcast with the intent of getting teenagers to understand the dangers of texting and driving. However, there has always been debate over whether this type of psa actually changes behavior. I remember years ago in my driver’s ed class we were shown accident films. To this day I can see in my mind the photos of a body totally charred from a vehicle fire. Does it change the way I drive? It was along time ago so I’m not sure. But we need to do something to stop the increasing number of people of all ages who are texting while driving. It’s frightening!
I would suggest that it be required viewing for all teenagers, many of whom think they have this texting while driving thing down pat. Let them just what can happen…
