I'm not one who encourages the use of graphic messages to support injury prevention efforts. If I'm not mistaken, research indicates this type of shock messaging does not work in the long run. On the other hand, perhaps graphic depictions are something that could heighten injury prevention awareness with teenagers. The success of programs like the "Prevention of Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth" (P.A.R.T.Y.) program are a testament to this.

A friend and work associate sent me the following link to a public service message that's a graphic depiction of the full potential of text messaging while driving: Public Service Announcement - Texting and Driving (click here to see it). The clip was difficult for me to watch and it left me feeling sad and remorseful. On the other hand, the clip was successful in laying out the full, adverse potential of an unsafe act. From my perspective it did a good job of depicting the worse case scenario and as a friend who is a safety professional for over 40 years once told me:"If we could just encourage people to plan for the worst case scenario in everything they do, many injuries could be prevented. Lives could be saved and human pain and suffering could be eliminated."

As a parent, I felt an immediate duty to help educate our 18 year old daughter as to the negative impact when one's attention is taken away from driving safely, and I emailed the link to her... Will she be upset with me? Probably! But - - - it may well serve to keep her and her friends safe from harm when they're on the road.

What did you think when you watched this 4 minute video?