NHTSA texting and driving prevention commercial

"Big Bubba Ray" (eganward01)
04/07/2014 at 21:51 • Filed to: None

The NHTSA released this commercial just a few days ago hoping to aid in the prevention of texting and driving. I just happened to see this commercial tonight for the first time, and it actually gave me chills. The crash looks so real and it's not easy to watch.

We on Oppo know the dangers of phone use while driving, and never partake in such activities...I hope. I know this issue has been discussed countless times here, but for some reason I felt the need share this commercial with you guys because I found it so chilling.

From the video description:

Did you know that when you send or receive a text you take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds? At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field, blindfolded.

As a result, thousands of people die every year in crashes related to distracted driving. If you're texting, you're not driving.

I, like you all, have had too many bad experiences with other drivers using their phones while driving. I've been rear ended by a guy who was texting and driving. Thankfully, the accident was just a few scratches and dents on my rear bumper, but it could have been worse. While I was biking last April, I was hit by a driver who was on her phone instead of paying attention to the road. In 20 days, it will have been exactly one year since I was hit by a distracted driver. I'm still recovering from injuries from that day.

I'll forever hold a grudge against people who use their phones while driving because it puts everyone around them in danger.

There have been numerous PSA's and commercials urging people to put away their phones when they drive, but nothing seems to work. How in the world do we go about explaining the dangers of distracted driving to people who don't seem to care?

TL;DR, if somebody you know texts and drives, smash their phone for their own safety and the safety of those around them. Stay safe out on those roads, Opponauts.

DISCUSSION (12)

Montalvo > Big Bubba Ray
04/07/2014 at 21:56

That is why when I am driving, my phone is either in my pocket or in a place where I can see the screen with a quick glance. If it is important I pull off to the side or respond when I get to where I need to go. If I am in the passenger seat and my friend is going to respond to a text, I take the phone from them. They can keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel and I can text what they want to say if they feel like it is that important.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Big Bubba Ray
04/07/2014 at 21:57

People in St. Louis are really bad about texting and driving. I've almost been sideswiped by someone who was looking at their phone instead of the road. My girlfriend had someone come over into the opposing lane in front of her who was texting and almost slammed head-on into her. It's just ridiculous.

Jayhawk Jake > Big Bubba Ray
04/07/2014 at 21:58

Is it acceptable to honk loudly at people who are visibly texting while driving?

jkm7680 > Big Bubba Ray
04/07/2014 at 21:59

How do we get to these people? That is the question. No matter how many commercials, I feel that getting the point across is near impossible. People think "That will never be me in that accident." Wrong, it could be and sending that message could be the difference between living or becoming a statistic.

One of Tom Mabe's videos, about telling drunks found passed out that they were in a coma for a decade gave me an idea.

I propose doing the same idea, except with repeat offender texting and driving people. Tell them that a loved one was seriously injured or killed by a texting driver, and see how they feel them. That could have been them, and when something like that hits close to home it leaves a lasting impression.

Big Bubba Ray > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/07/2014 at 21:59

Now that you mention it, St. Louis does seem pretty bad about it. I've spent a ton of time in Columbia, MO and I've only seen a handful of times where distracted drivers caused a bit of danger. St. Louis, though, just driving to UMSL in the morning I'll easily see 8-10 people screwing with their phones in some fashion.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Big Bubba Ray
04/07/2014 at 21:59

I almost got sideswiped by a douchebag in a Crossfox this past Thursday, dude was lane drifting while playing with his phone on top of the steering wheel. I had to yell some cuss words over at him to get him to pay attention, since honking no longer seems to work.

I swear, next time, I'll throw a piston, or a relay or a radiator or one of the many many spare parts I have lying around out the window.

Big Bubba Ray > Montalvo
04/07/2014 at 22:01

Good for you. I practice the exact same behaviors when I'm driving or riding shotgun with friends. If a friend's phone buzzes while they're driving and they try to answer it, I'll toss the bitch out the window. Did it once to a friend and he hasn't touched his phone while I'm in the car with him since.

Big Bubba Ray > Jayhawk Jake
04/07/2014 at 22:01

Not only accepted, but also encouraged! As long as you keep your eyes on the road! haha

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Big Bubba Ray
04/07/2014 at 22:03

On any given day, I see at least 20 people texting while they're driving. They're usually the ones who drive 10 under the limit, driving like they're drunk because OMG they just need to tell Jenny about what Brad did.

Big Bubba Ray > jkm7680
04/07/2014 at 22:05

I don't know if we will ever come up with an effective method for keeping phone out of people's hands when they're driving. It's a scary thought, but what else is there to do? And with the addition of all this newfangled infotainment shit finding it's way into modern cars, I feel as though the problem will persist or even get worse.

Your suggestion is harsh, but would definitely make an impact. That's what is needed. People need to feel an emotional connection to this to put a stop to the behavior.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jayhawk Jake
04/07/2014 at 22:06

I do that all the time! Scares the living hell out of them.

jkm7680 > Big Bubba Ray
04/07/2014 at 22:14

I agree that it is harsh, but It may just save somebodies life. It needs to be something with enough impact to get inside of somebody, and to make them never want to text and drive again.

All the infotainment shit, is terrible. I don't want to be a part of it. Having Apps in the car is dangerous and stupid. Hands free, while better than texting still holds risks, and dangers. Texting apps can also bear danger.

It's a major issue, and as you can tell I too strongly advocate against texting and driving. If I catch my Gf texting and driving, I'm not afraid to tell her off. If I'm on my motorcycle and see somebody texting and driving, it's going to be one miserable day for them.