Educational Media Reviews Online

Distracted driving can be physical, emotional, and mental and it can and does cost people their lives. This is the simple, straightforward message of Deadly Driving Distractions: Texting, Cell Phones, and Other Killers. Along with this, the film also gives practical tips on how to avoid driving distractions and provides appropriate behavioral tips and modeling for teens. Throughout the documentary sobering statistics splash across the screen while upbeat music and a quick tempo keep things casual and teen-oriented. Various experts such as a pediatric neurologist, a driving instructor, a chaplain, an RN, a trauma/critical care surgeon, and a psychology professor provide firsthand testimonials, advice and research findings as evidence to support the campaign against driving while texting and engaging in other types of distraction. A teen focus group discussion is interspersed throughout the documentary providing teen opinions and perspectives. While many types of distractions are mentioned the primary focus is on texting while driving. It is made clear that adding other tasks on top of the serious, multitasking responsibility of driving is dangerous and can even be as much of an impairment as drunk driving. The video ends with the family of a young U.S. Marine who graciously share their story of his tragic death.

This film gives food for thought, credible information and a sobering message without scare tactics or melodrama. Deadly Driving Distractions is a positive and informative film about an incredibly important issue and would be an excellent choice for school libraries and a fantastic tool for people who work with teens!