Educational Media Reviews Online

In the opening scene, a girl gets in a truck, texts and continues to look at her phone, and is in an accident. Viewers will be drawn in right away by the action and the horror. As the film goes on, they will learn that this is a dramatization of a real-life situation. The parents, sister, friends, and others talk about Alex, the girl who died while texting. Their stories and recollections are touching and emotional. Law enforcement personnel who were on the scene weigh in with their recollections and comments. Interspersed with the scenes are shots of teens talking to the camera about texting and driving, plus footage of the Unite group (Arrive Alive), which offers a simulation experience for people using 3-D glasses and their own phone to illustrate the dangers of texting while driving.

Visuals, sound, and editing are well done and professional. The group of teens is diverse, and provides people that viewers can relate to. The reenactment of Alex’s accident is believable, and should make viewers rethink their actions. But the comments from Alex’s sister, best friend, mother, and father will really hit home.

This film would be an excellent addition to high school library collections. Even college students may be close enough in age to be affected. Public libraries may also want to purchase, for their teen and parent patrons.

Also on the DVD is a Teachers Resource book, which includes National Health Education Standards for grades 6 through 8, pre- and post-tests, activities, fact sheets, and sources.