Don’t Text and Drive Campaigns – Effective, or Not?
As the truck driving community is well aware, texting while driving has become an epidemic of epic proportions. People of all ages seem to be having less and less self control when it comes to refraining cell phone use while behind the wheel. – As a result, much is being done to discourage drivers from texting. Which of the following ‘Don’t Text and Drive’ campaign methods to you find to be most effective?
Public Service Announcement | Graphic Accident Reenactments | Tragedy Stories
One of the most common texting & driving awareness campaign techniques is the PSA, or Public Service Announcement. Wether these announcements are conveyed on television during a commercial break, or designed to be shared virally on the internet – it seems to be a common awareness campaign method. A multitude of organizations are showing graphic accident scenes and final text messages of accident victims to make their point about the dangers involved with texting and driving.
[youtube url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOQbbS0AQ80″]
[youtube url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_Hd9Qt9tkE”]
Physical Reminders
An interesting technique for raising awareness on the issue is the use of a physical reminder. Some organizations are going as far as printing anti-texting and driving messages on thumb bands to remind drivers of the danger involved with sending a message while behind the wheel.
Pledges
Many organizations have taken to asking the public to pledge, or promise not to text and drive. They’re distributing and selling t-shirts, lanyards, air fresheners, and also releasing PSA’s to spread their messages. After expressing the importance of staying focused on the road, organizations like these are also asking their audience to promise that they’ll refrain from texting and driving.
[youtube url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uof1Nc2RXI”]
Shocking Statistics
Another effective method of raising awareness for the ‘Don’t Text and Drive’ campaign when it comes to the dangers of texting and driving, is distributing shocking statistics. Wether those statistics are shown in the form of an infographic, or they’re just simply stated – the numbers are both powerful and saddening.
1. 1,600,000 accidents per year – National Safety Council
2. 330,000 injuries per year – Harvard Center for Risk Analysis Study
3. 11 teen deaths EVERY DAY – Ins. Institute for Hwy Safety Fatality Facts
4. Nearly 25% of ALL car accidents
Sources