Text messaging while driving equals death… or worse
I recently saw a disturbing but powerful video out of the UK that will be used in driver’s ed. classes to show kids the dangers of texting while driving. I have put the video in the post below, but be aware that it is quite gruesome and potentially difficult to watch.
I am torn about the effectiveness of a video like this. It reminds me of the train crossing videos I was subjected to in driver’s ed. that show people being destroyed by trains while trying to race the train. They were disturbing and to this day I am nervous crossing a train track. On the other hand, I stop and look both ways and treat the train tracks with respect.
Text messaging while driving is definitely dangerous and very potentially deadly, but are videos like this really the way to keep kids (and adults) from doing it or not? Watch the video if you want, and I would love to hear your thoughts.
August 17th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Wow…harrowing.
I see why you’re conflicted. On the one hand, this is really well-done: it honestly depicts a form of the consequences of unsafe driving. And texting while driving *is* terrifically unsafe!
On the other hand, it made me sick to my stomach and almost afraid to bike home, for fear of being on the same road with people who practice unsafe driving.
While texting and driving is a serious danger, I am annoyed at the lack of publication of information as to just how deadly mere *talking* on the cellphone and driving is. People consider cell-phone chatting during driving so mundane these days, but it is a serious danger to oneself and everyone on the road! Reading this article really helped me see that: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/technology/19distracted.html?_r=1&em
Long article, but well worth the read.
Adrienne