Graphic PSA Gone Too Far?

[Contra Fates]

I read an article about a British Public Service Announcement about text messaging while driving. Now, I know, and you drivers out there should also know, that texting while you're driving is a BAD, BAD thing to do.

But, this aside, I've seen this video, and while I do find that it's a bit too graphic for most people, I thought it was very effective marketing. I never texted while driving before, and, this video reminds me just why I don't do it. But, with an unresponsive baby, and a toddler begging for her unconscious and bloody mother and father to wake up, it's not much of a wonder why some people are offended by this.

Original Article

Watch and discuss!

[Ryvius]

I don't think it goes too far at all. I don't know if the whole texting while driving thing is as big a problem in Britain as it is here in the states, but I'm gonna go on a hunch that it is.

If a graphic PSA reminds people what the consequences of their actions may be, and they think twice before they text on the road I'm all behind it.

[Mellusia]

Well I wasn't gonna watch it, but I did, and I tell you, I got a little hitch in my throat. But that's the point, right? Making an impact on the audience.

In general, when it comes to ads, you need to grab the attention of the audience, and I think it's fair to say this ad did that.

The only thing I might criticize was the length. Most warning ads are usually as long as regular ads, but that's obviously not what the issue with the commercial is.

Was it graphic? Definitely, but I've seen far more graphic stuff (usually inadvertently), so I'm willing to condone the amount shown. It's hard to watch, but it's suppose to be, right?

[Aleister Black]

I wasn't really shocked or anything but I can tell why some people would be. And it is wholly justified to make these kind of adverts to make people aware of the dangerous situations they may cause by texting while driving.

[Fuyumine]

Like everyone else I can understand why people would get offended, but as a life-threatening issue I think this was necessary. Don't get me wrong, though. I cringed when I heard the kids, but it put things into perspective for me.

"That could be me."

[BlackJack]

I saw this, and up until about an minute and a half, I couldn't stop laughing. The bad acting is evident. And hilarious.

After that, it delved in nightmare fuel. The scenes of the girl pleading with her parents and the dead baby are......unsettling to say the least. o_o

Also, this PSA drags on WAY too long. I got bored at 2 and a half minutes. In that respect, the creators definitely "went too far".

But I'm never texting while driving again, that's for sure. .__.

[ack!]

Pardon me if I'm incorrect in saying this, as I've never been to England or anything... But they have all their commercials at the end of the television programs--which would allow for a PSA of this length. A lot of commercials are designed there to capture people's attention like that because well... It's all lumped into one block in between shows, so they need to keep people's attentions somehow.

I don't think it was over the top at all. I think some of the sound effects were silly, but it was really effective I think. Then again, I have common sense and know that texting while driving is literally the stupidest thing ever... So I can see how it runs the risk of being ineffective.

But if you can get one person in every city to convert their frames of thought, then the ad is successful.

The point is that, just like drunk driving and all the other stupid shit you can do while driving, it's not just you that can get hurt. It's your responsibility to be as attentive as you can on the road. I'm not saying I've had my share of distracted driving, but... Seriously. Texting? It's like your wishing for death to stick his finger up your butt.

[Fuyumine]

Pardon me if I'm incorrect in saying this, as I've never been to England or anything... But they have all their commercials at the end of the television programs--which would allow for a PSA of this length. A lot of commercials are designed there to capture people's attention like that because well... It's all lumped into one block in between shows, so they need to keep people's attentions somehow.

I don't think it was over the top at all. I think some of the sound effects were silly, but it was really effective I think. Then again, I have common sense and know that texting while driving is literally the stupidest thing ever... So I can see how it runs the risk of being ineffective.

But if you can get one person in every city to convert their frames of thought, then the ad is successful.

The point is that, just like drunk driving and all the other stupid shit you can do while driving, it's not just you that can get hurt. It's your responsibility to be as attentive as you can on the road. I'm not saying I've had my share of distracted driving, but... Seriously. Texting? It's like your wishing for death to stick his finger up your butt.

God damn it, I couldn't have said it better myself. Damn good postage, m'friend.

[BlackJack]

Texting while driving is MADNESS!!

[Sephiroth]

wow this looks like it could be the end of some film it gets all dramatic personaly since im a heartless monster I was laughing as they all died especailly when the one that was texting and driving she was left alive i was like HAHAHAHAHAH PWNED.

But when the little girl was like mommy daddy wake up I was like shit......

I was also wonderen you see a crash why didnt the other car stop driven instead they just sorta rammed into the other cars lol xD

[BlackJack]

I was also wonderen you see a crash why didnt the other car stop driven instead they just sorta rammed into the other cars lol xD

Yeah, that driver was just like "Fuck it." XD

[I Changed My Name Too!]

I only have one thing to say about this video:

They overuse the SHIT out of that "shplort" (brain mush splatter, head smash) sound effect. While I think it's necessary if it works, I also think they could have used their imagination, like a cymbal crash when their heads hit the windows, or maybe a trombone fall (Whan-whan-whan-waaAAAaaaAAAn) after the crash is over. You know, liven it up a bit.
Reminds me of that PSA where the woman working in the kitchen slips and drops the boiling water all over her face. SHOCK AND HORROR.

[dthc]

I had this Encyclopedia of ways to die and I do have to say that I'd rather die texting while driving than masturbating while driving...

[BlackJack]

I had this Encyclopedia of ways to die and I do have to say that I'd rather die texting while driving than masturbating while driving...

I dunno. At least your final moments would be happier.
....Assuming you died on impact.

[dthc]

I dunno. At least your final moments would be happier.
....Assuming you died on impact.

They found her with the vibrator still on... Awkward.

[Daesy]

It made a point. That baby being unresponsive. That did it for me. But other than being too long, people in the states need to watch this. Talk on the phone while driving is bad. Texting is 10x worst.