General
Ever Sent a Text While Driving?
By Noel Gibbons
29, Jan 2010 - 07:36

A graphic film highlighting the dangers of texting while driving, produced for the Gwent police in the UK force with film-maker Peter Watkins Hughes, has become an internet hit across the globe. Although people are aware of the laws against driving while using a mobile phone, many still aren't aware of the dangers of texting while driving, an offence in Ireland since 16 July 2006. The film seeks to highlight this to dramatic effect as it follows fictional schoolgirl girl Cassie Cowan, nicknamed Cow. She and her friends are involved in a horrific car crash after she loses concentration behind the wheel while texting. A four-minute taster clip of the film, generally known as COW, has been seen by millions of viewers on YouTube, and has gained global attention.

Over 1000 teenagers from all over Mayo will watch the film provided to Mayo County Council by the Gwent police at the February 4th in TF Royal in Castlebar or It can be viewed on (http://www.gwent.police.uk/leadnews.php?a=2172).

A recent study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute USA found after examining the behavior of truck drivers covering more than 6 million miles of road, concluded that people who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to be in a crash (or what they call a near-crash event) than nondistracted drivers.

Recognising that many people are killed or seriously injured on our roads, the show aims to positively influence those drivers who are about to start out on what will hopefully be a long and safe motoring career.

Garda Pat O Hora from Mayo Traffic Corp hopes the serious message in this film will hit home to viewers:

"Making and receiving calls and texting whilst driving is still happening on roads not just in Mayo but all over the Country. Seeing a scenario, like the one in the film, played out right before your eyes makes you realise how extremely dangerous it can be and what devastating consequences it can have.''

Road Safety Officer Noel Gibbons said "I hope that after watching this film motorists will think twice before picking up their mobile phone when behind the wheel and realise that a quick reply to a text message or answering a phone call is never worth putting theirs and other people's lives at risk.

The film shows a teenage girl driving some friends in her Car. Engrossed in her texting, she is involved first in one crash before her car is then broadsided by another.

You have seen far worse in movies and with far less good intent. It can only go a small way to making teenagers and adults driving on our roads, consider the potential consequences of their self-involved habits.

But if it even makes one person think twice, or even once, about the consequences, then any amount of graphic content is to be applauded. There is surely nothing gratuitous about trying to save a life.''