Graphic U.K. ad illustrates the dangers of texting while driving

A U.K. public service announcement that graphically portrays the dangers of text-messaging while driving is prompting a new round of warnings from driver-safety advocates in the United States.

The ad has had tens of thousands of views on YouTube, which has restricted it to viewers who are at least 18 years old.

In the video, a young woman driver distracted by texting on her phone drifts into oncoming traffic and is involved in a frontal crash. A third car also becomes part of the crash. The video includes slow-motion crash action, graphic depictions of wounds and the apparent death of some involved in the crash.

To watch the video, click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdvFh95Yg6M

Teen-driver safety and education is important to the editors and readers of AutoWeek. Information about the dangers of driving while texting, talking on a cell phone, being distracted by friends and driving tired or after drinking is repeated to our children and friends regularly and frequently--and we can't do it too often.

Take a few minutes to watch the video, and share it those close to you. And remember to minimize all distractions every time you drive.

By Dale Jewett