New Zealand Safety Ad Proves Hand-Holding Is Way Cooler (and Safer) Than Texting While Driving

Feeling the urge to fire off a text? Hold someone's hand instead.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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For their latest campaign aimed at combating the very real problem of texting and driving, the New Zealand Transport Agency is utilizing the only force more powerful than the satisfaction one feels after firing off an amazing text: the raw power of a good hand-holding session. "People think that it's dangerous to use their mobile phone while they are driving, yet many people still do it," the agency said in a press release. "Consequently, there is a gap between people's attitudes and their behavior. This campaign aims to lessen this gap and focuses on targeting drivers who are distracted when using a mobile phone in their vehicle."

The ad, which has already amassed more than a million views on YouTube, shows different drivers reaching down for their phones after receiving a notification. However, instead of hastily responding while driving erratically, each driver is greeted with a loving stare and a passenger's hand to hold. "The campaign aims to use this insight and encourages young drivers to question their use of mobile phones while driving," an agency spokesperson said. "It's the first step in getting young people to view things from a different perspective—their passenger's."

The dangers of texting and driving, of course, are pretty clear. The consequences of ignoring that risk are also quite apparent. However, if one New Jersey legislator has any say, the combination of walking and texting could also start receiving some scrutiny. "I admit that I'm usually listening to music, talking on my phone, or texting while I’m walking around," Jared Schumacher told the Guardian in March. "I've never hurt myself, but I've seen people walk into poles or trip over a big crack in the sidewalk." With any luck, New Zealand will also apply their reliably charming ad tactics to the semi-controversial practice of walking while texting.

 

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