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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Experts Doubt Gory Crash Video Will Trim Teen Texting

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(Newser) – A horrifying car crash video graphically highlighting the gory dangers of texting behind the wheel has been viewed some 4 million times online. But experts doubt that it will significantly change teen driver behavior, reports the New York Times. The video-gone-viral has been the buzz of schools since it was produced by Welsh officials following teen advice to make it super dramatic. But the screams, dead baby and bloodied faces may not be having an impact.

"Most people already know these behaviors are not safe, but they do them anyway,” said a spokeswoman for a nonprofit research group financed by car insurers. A road safety researcher said people “erase the fear" by saying: "That's not me." Still others warn the message may be lost in the gore. Its popularity is likely due to its shock value, said a Vanderbilt University professor who studies risk. "The shock aspect may obscure the texting risk message," he said.

The Gwent Police and Tredegar Comprehensive School in South Wales have created a gory public service video about the dangers of texting while driving.
The Gwent Police and Tredegar Comprehensive School in South Wales have created a gory public service video about the dangers of texting while driving.   (AMorningVideo)
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Experts are debating how much effect this over-the-top video will have on teens texting habits.   (mdangyer)

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5 comments
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youngblood
Sep 1, 09 6:38 AM CDT
I had to do some tricky driving on the freeway one day to save myself from being in an accident and I drove up to the driver in front of me who almost swerved into me to vent, he had his window up and just texting away on his phone and oblivious to him almost hitting me, the point, fuck these people who text and drive, make the first time fine, sky high and 2nd fine, treat it like a D.U. I. fuck them, too many accidents are happening on the road because of texting while driving and I'm on for it if these people don't give a dame if they die while texting while driving but don't bring other innocent drivers with you! Reply
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webtronix
Sep 1, 09 6:40 AM CDT
There is technology available to reduce this growing problem . The quicker it's implemented here ther better. http://www.aegismobility.com/ I have no affiliation with this site. Reply
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offyatindy
Sep 1, 09 9:43 AM CDT
Signal 30, the high school crash movie of my day (about 30 years ago) was very popular viewing in Driver's Ed. Reply
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Mad
Sep 1, 09 2:17 PM CDT
This doesn't compare to "Red Asphalt" Reply
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BlahBlahBlah
Sep 1, 09 3:02 PM CDT
People (teens or otherwise) are just plain stupid. I can’t count the number of times that some jackass has almost run me off the road. I look over and oh, what a surprise, the guy or girl is too busy talking on there phone or head down texting. Obviously they are just too busy to worry about that pesky driving thing. Simple solution, wait until you get where you are going a safely parked or pull off to the side of the road in an appropriate area. Reply
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