Does adding a celebrity to a traffic safety PSA make it better? We’ve had quite a variety of traffic safety PSAs here in the PSA smash up. Some are gory, some are sentimental, some are sad, some are funny. We’ve even posted a previous celebrity PSA with Helen Mirren (one of my favorites). Ultimately, the goal of a PSA is to get the viewer to change a behavior; in our case, stop dangerous driving behaviors. When Shaq tells you to drive like you give a #&%@, are you inclined listen? Continue reading “Shaq Wants You to Drive Like You Give a #&%@!”
Distracted Driving Law Explained in 4 Minutes
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission just released a new PSA that answers your questions about the new distracted driving law. Can I hold my phone? Answered. Can I eat and drive? Answered. Is drinking coffee really illegal? Answered. Have questions? Take a look. Continue reading “Distracted Driving Law Explained in 4 Minutes”
Local Deputy Featured In Distracted Driving PSA
As part of Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s efforts to make sure every driver knows about the new distracted driving law, they’ve featured Deputy Bauman with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office in one of their PSAs. Take a look:
90% Funny, 10% Not Funny
Funny, funny, funny, funny, funny, funny, funny, funny, funny, not funny.
Famous Last Words – Smh.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a new PSA they’ve released as part of distracted driving month. It’s good, but I’m pretty sure I’m not the target audience. I’ll admit that I didn’t get the tagline, which immediately identifies me as not being part of the millennial generation. In case you didn’t get it either, I looked it up. Smh is an acronym for “shaking my head.” If your kid ever texts that to you, it means he is shaking his head in disappointment. Here’s the PSA. Warning: It’s sad.
Race Track – a Distracted Driving PSA
Distracted driving emphasis patrols are happening all over Washington right now, so this seems like a good time to release the latest traffic safety PSA from TheWiseDrive. See how a rivalry between racecar drivers turns to tactics of technology and distraction to keep the title of World’s Fastest Racecar Driver.
Funny, Effective, Inappropriate?
Maybe these traffic safety signs push the boundaries of appropriateness a bit, but they are clever. These PSAs come from Australia, so I guess it’s more acceptable there. (Insert giant assumption here.) I have yet to see a traffic safety message locally that uses name-calling to try to change behavior.
Are they effective? It’s hard to measure the effectiveness of PSAs, but there are some general guidelines for how to change behavior. Instead of telling people what they shouldn’t do, effective behavior change is most likely to happen by encouraging people to do the right thing. (I’m thinking of you, “Don’t do drugs” campaigns.) Continue reading “Funny, Effective, Inappropriate?”
Getting High During A Traffic Stop
Seattle PD put this PSA together after an officer encountered a man snorting cocaine during a traffic stop. Hard to believe, I know. The officer can hardly believe it either. Take a look:
Bloody Idiots – PSA Campaign
This PSA comes from Australia, where they tend not to hold back on tragedy in their messaging. It’s part of the Bloody Idiot campaign from a few years ago, and is more tame than some of the others in the campaign (like this one). Not too long ago, I posted the “Bloody Legend” PSA; that one was from New Zealand. Noticing a “bloody” theme from the Australia/New Zealand contingent of traffic safety professionals. Don’t worry, this one doesn’t actually have any blood in it. (But it is sad.)
You Won’t Get A DUI For Being High On Life
It’s the holiday season, and in the world of traffic safety that coincides with extra emphasis patrols for impaired drivers. DUI patrols are happening all across the state, so I thought I’d share one of the PSAs that we’re using right now to get out the message that DUI is not just for alcohol. Impairment includes legal drugs, illegal drugs and prescription medications. If you’re just high on life, you’re still good to drive. That’ll make more sense after you watch the video.