In an extremely graphic PSA video gone viral out of Wales, Great Britain, teens are shown texting, driving, and crashing. The results are disastrous and hard to watch, yet they must be seen if you’ve ever been tempted to text while driving. That such a video can make such an impact around the world in just a few days shows the impact of our technology and yet it’s our technology and the way we use it that’s causing these horrible problems. According to CNN.com (Deadly Distracted Driving ), a drunk driver is 4 times more likely to crash while a texting driver is 8 times more likely to crash. Whoa! You mean that innocent little text I sent to my best friend saying that I’m running late meant that I was 8 times more likely to crash? You bet. How many times have you seen a vehicle weaving in and out of a lane, only to come up next to it and find out that the driver is too busy with the cell phone to even notice the light is green? Personally, I stay far behind those cars. But sometimes you can’t control your safety. What if you take public transportation? What if your bus driver or train operator is texting?
Darren’s niece, Britanny, wrote a guest blog for us last year on the dangers of text messaging while driving, comparing it to drunk driving. I think it’s an apt comparison and I believe the statistics given to us by CNN.com. Think about it—unless you’re texting while drunk, at least when you’re drunk you are looking at the road. Hopefully.
I wonder what outrageously stupid piece of technology will be available next to distract us from driving?
I’ve seen this video on facebook a ton and to this point have avoided watching it. I can see now why it has spread like wild fire, and why the graphic warning was on it. It’s a good reminder for everyone. Nothing is so important that it can’t wait until you’ve reached your destination or can pull over to a safe spot.
Wow, that video made me sick to my stomach. However, I think it’s something people should see. I’m to cheap to pay for text messaging, because I wouldn’t use it anyway.
How scary that a drunk driver is less likely to crash than a texting driver.
I don’t text at all, but my sister does…in the car…all the time. I sent this to her to let her know that the child she could kill could be one of her own nieces. I was okay watching this video until it got to the baby.