The video you are about to watch is graphic in nature, viewer discretion is advised.
Distracted driving has become one of the most practiced deadly driving behaviors by today’s motorists. Texting while driving has become an epidemic in the Carolinas and AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety is trying to educate the public about the dangers associated with this reckless behavior.
"Texting while driving, is the new drunk driving," said Tom Crosby, president of the AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety. "Studies have shown that you are just as likely to be in an accident texting while driving as someone who is legally intoxicated."
I can't understand why someone would try to text and drive, putting so many lives in danger. This behavior is incredibly prevalent and its frequency is growing.
As of December 1 it is against the law to text or email while operating a motor vehicle in North Carolina. Violators will receive a $100 fine and are responsible for court costs.
AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety is now broadcasting a graphic 30-second traffic safety video on cable television to educate motorists of the horrific consequences possible when texting while driving.
The video is being launched prior to the July 4th holiday because it is one of the deadliest holiday weekends for traffic crashes. Please share this video with everyone who shares our roadways.
“This video may shock some viewers and that is the intent: to create a lasting impression that texting while driving is deadly,” said Thomas Crosby, president of the AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety. “It takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel and your mind off driving. Those three distractions affect a driver mentally, physically and emotionally – all three essential activities needed to focus on safe driving.”
The video will air only during evening hours on Time Warner Cable stations in Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh and Wilmington areas.
“It’s one thing to tell people not to text and drive,” said Dave Parsons, a board member on the Foundation and president and CEO of AAA Carolinas. “By eliciting an emotional response, we hope this video will change deadly distracted driving behavior.”
North Carolina has witnessed numerous traffic fatalities this year that can be attributed to this dangerous behavior.
The timing of the video is geared to alert motorists to be especially careful during the busy 4th of July holiday weekend. Avoid using a cell phone while driving to help ensure a safe and successful Independence Day holiday, said Crosby.
Some television stations will air the video as a Public Service Announcement, while others will air it as a paid educational message to viewers. A few stations in North Carolina declined to air the PSA due to its’ graphic nature.
“Ironically, some television stations that air a fantasy horror movie about Halloween are reluctant to show a simulated, graphic video that depicts real life results from poor driving behavior,” said Crosby.
The Foundation has been active in educating the public about distracted driving, using billboards and gas station placards in North and South Carolina to warn drivers of the dangers of distracted driving, particularly talking or texting on a hand-held cell phone while driving.
“Using a cell phone (talking hands-free or hand-held) while driving is very dangerous, as many motorists know from personal experience or from watching drivers using cell phones in nearby cars,” said Parsons.
The 30-second video, which AAA Carolinas will disseminate free to any community organization, high school or non-profit group that wishes to use it to promote traffic safety, is also available for broadcast media to use as a Public Service Announcement. For a copy, call: (704) 569-7883.
Distracted Driving Facts
Texting while driving makes you eight times more likely to be involved in a crash.
Nearly one in four drivers in NC admit to texting while driving and an online survey found South Carolina the worst state in the nation for texting while driving.
Texting while driving causes drivers to leave their lane 10 percent more often than normal.
Traffic accidents are the number one cause of death for individuals under 30.
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