The recent spike in car-related fatalities in the US has pushed many companies to reconsider the inclusion of stunt driving in their commercials.
As the US Department of Transportation (DOT) has reported, motor vehicle fatalities have risen significantly in the first two quarters of 2019 when compared to the same period of time in 2018. Additionally, the majority of crashes involved a single vehicle, which suggests that reckless driving may be a major contributing factor.
Given these grim figures, it seems almost irresponsible for companies to promote and glamorize excessive speed through the inclusion of stunt driving in their advertisements. Distracting the viewer with an action-packed commercial, without the required safety warnings, only reinforces the idea that speed and excitement should take precedence over caution.
Fortunately, as the DOT has also noted, the number of crashes involving fatal distraction, such as texting while driving, is decreasing — suggesting that public service campaigns discouraging texting while driving may have made a difference.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the reckless driving that has become associated with stunt driving in commercials. The saturation of these ads on every form of media encourages drivers to take risks, which can have deadly consequences.
For this reason, companies should make an effort to reassess the way they portray driving in their commercials. They can start by avoiding the promotion of stunts and instead focus on appreciation for safe driving. They should also include relevant safety warnings to display their commitment to driving safety.
By making smarter choices with their advertisements, companies have the power to influence public opinion and make driving safer. Ultimately, everyone wins: companies, whose corporate reputation will remain unscathed, and the public, who’d benefit from improved road safety.
By embracing a responsible message —Companies can help reduce car-accident fatalities and ensure safe roads for all.
The recent spike in car-related fatalities in the US has pushed many companies to reconsider the inclusion of stunt driving in their commercials.
As the US Department of Transportation (DOT) has reported, motor vehicle fatalities have risen significantly in the first two quarters of 2019 when compared to the same period of time in 2018. Additionally, the majority of crashes involved a single vehicle, which suggests that reckless driving may be a major contributing factor.
Given these grim figures, it seems almost irresponsible for companies to promote and glamorize excessive speed through the inclusion of stunt driving in their advertisements. Distracting the viewer with an action-packed commercial, without the required safety warnings, only reinforces the idea that speed and excitement should take precedence over caution.
Fortunately, as the DOT has also noted, the number of crashes involving fatal distraction, such as texting while driving, is decreasing — suggesting that public service campaigns discouraging texting while driving may have made a difference.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the reckless driving that has become associated with stunt driving in commercials. The saturation of these ads on every form of media encourages drivers to take risks, which can have deadly consequences.
For this reason, companies should make an effort to reassess the way they portray driving in their commercials. They can start by avoiding the promotion of stunts and instead focus on appreciation for safe driving. They should also include relevant safety warnings to display their commitment to driving safety.
By making smarter choices with their advertisements, companies have the power to influence public opinion and make driving safer. Ultimately, everyone wins: companies, whose corporate reputation will remain unscathed, and the public, who’d benefit from improved road safety.
By embracing a responsible message —Companies can help reduce car-accident fatalities and ensure safe roads for all.
