Jack M.

Topic: Distracted driving

The following is a script to accompany an animation:

“Not texting while driving is important because let's say that there is a kid in this world right now. Imagine that. Named let’s say Jeff, who is 17. Then imagine that Jeff is on the freeway and decides that they want to text and drive. Which is illegal. Then they get into a wreck. But they are lucky to be alive, because texting is the leading cause of death in car crashes. The police show up. What next…”

Show four links for the four punishments.

Someone yells in the background: “Why does that matter?!”

Then make a face while going miniature.

Jail story

“You chose the jail story. They go to jail for one year and a maximum fine of $10,000. How would that affect the family financially and emotionally? For one, it would drain the family of a lot of money. And Jeff will be in jail, and that’s bad in itself. But when they get out, it might be hard to get a job, or they may not be able to drive, etc. They will be feeling regret and sadness.”

Fine story

“This is the fine story. So let’s say that in the worst case scenario, they get a $500 fine.

Then they have to find a job then work overtime at that job to pay this off. They will be overworked and overtired.”

License suspension story

“This is the license suspension story. Their license can be suspended for 120 days. They have to walk or ride a bike everywhere. They would get around very slowly. They will be feeling frustrated and regretful.”

Rise in auto insurance rate story

“This is the rise in auto insurance rate story. So the insurance raise their rates, which means that the insurance people will make it harder for Jeff to pay. So if it happens again it will be a lot more money. They’re feeling stressed, enraged, and scared.”

“But with the help of an electronic chip in the steering wheel and in your phone that will sense when you have your phone out while driving and will shut it off, you might not get arrested, fined, or killed, and see a rise in your insurance rates.”