Graphic British road safety ad may be shown in Australia

[RG]

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...18-661,00.html

Originally Posted by news.com.au

A DRAMATIC road safety TV ad that highlights the dangers of texting in graphic detail may be broadcast in Australia. The four-minute film, which shows a multiple pile-up caused by a girl texting while driving, was developed by Welsh police and made by filmmaker Peter Watkins-Hughes.

As well as the horiffic crash, the ad also portrays the long, painful aftermath, including a disturbing scene where a young child is asking a police officer why her parents will not wake up.

Tasmanian Police Minister Jim Cox told state parliament yesterday that it was one of the most powerfully graphic commercials on road safety he had ever seen, The Mercury reports.

The Tasmanian Government is considering showing the graphic ad in a bid to slow down drivers.

In Victoria, after years of flouting the law, motorists now face increased fines and demerit points unless they keep both hands on the wheel.

The State Government will crack down on drivers talking or texting on their mobiles, in an effort to make the roads safer.

Despite almost 40,000 motorists being fined for driving and using a hand-held mobile last year, thousands of drivers break the law every day.

Roads Minister Tim Pallas said the new laws were all about common sense and saving lives, based on one simple principle - hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.

"But the message doesn't seem to get through to everybody," he said.

"Talking on a hand-held mobile phone while driving is reckless and increases the risk of a crash fourfold."

From November, all hand-held mobile phones and navigation devices must be fitted in a car holder or cradle.

Drivers breaking the law face a $234 fine and three demerit points.

RACV public policy manager Brian Negus said there was clear evidence that mobiles caused huge distractions and resulted in accidents.

"It is also really important that people don't fiddle with navigation devices while they drive. The research is clear, these sorts of distractions cause accidents."

The road rules ban P-platers from using mobile phones at all, even if they're in a hands-free set.

Mr Negus said many people were unsure about the rules governing mobile phone use, but the new penalties fines should deter drivers.

From November, motorcyclists will also be banned from carrying pillion passengers aged under eight.

Here's a link to the ad WARNING - CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES

I personally think that these ads should be broadcast here. Much better than the ads the TAC seem to come up with.

EDIT: Do not watch the video if blood, accidents or anything like that upsets you. I would also recommend not letting the kiddies see this one as it is VERY full on. Even I sat up and paid attention. This is definitely as close as you'll ever get to a real life incident in a re-enactment.