New videos!

The Utah County Health Department's Highway Safety Video Contest has just uploaded four finalist videos to YouTube. Check them out below. View the videos you like the most and forward them on to your friends. For more information about the contest, go to:

http://hispanichighwaysafety.pbworks.com/

517,870 too many.

In 2008:
5,870 People Killed
515,000 Injured
in accidents involving some form of distracted driving

Stop the epidemic.

Oprah on Board

Yes! Oprah is now on-board and is actively discouraging viewers from using their phone while driving. She interviewed Utah's Reggie Shaw as well as some family members of the men who died. She also set up a pledge. What a huge support and public figure to champion the cause!! Check out more including videos on her website.

Getting Hispanic Teens Involved

The Utah County Health Department in Provo, UT is piloting a program which combines Hispanic teens, highway safety, and social media. The result: creative YouTube videos that have the potential to go viral and reduce highway crashes and deaths among teens worldwide!

Our teens (144 total) have been educated about how to avoid texting while driving, avoiding driving while impaired, occupant protection (wearing seatbelts), and how to create a viral video. They are now ready to participate in our contest. Cash prizes of $1000, $600, and $400 will be awarded at a Film Festival and Awards Show in February. Hopefully our project and associated research can make an impact on the safety of Hispanic teens nationally and beyond. To see more, visit: http://hispanichighwaysafety.pbworks.com/

28 States now partially or fully ban texting while driving

Go HERE for the interactive map and more information

Texting while driving simulation game

So, I don't think TWD is as hard as this game demonstrates, but it's a fun idea nonetheless. Try it out HERE

Wall Street Journal Article highlights Utah's Texting While Driving efforts

Go HERE to read the WSJ article, which highlights Utah's efforts and mentions the release of Zero Fatalities' impactful video. The article also goes over some of the new technologies that block or make cell phone-distracted driving more difficult for those who are truly addicted (we probably should apply some self-control rather than having devices block our use, but I know, it is difficult. I'm overcoming a cell phone addiction myself).

Also in the news is a shocking British ad (Europe usually leads the way in the shocking ad category). I post it here with caution - it is very graphic and it makes me sick, but if it gets someone to be more aware and cautious and SAVES LIVES, then maybe it has some worth.