Car Accidents: Texting While Driving Campaigns

By:  Sonya Murphy

            With over 71% of people admittedly texting and talking on their cellular phone while driving, and over 5,474 fatalities occurring in the United States (as of 2009) from vehicle crashes due to distracted driving, there is no wonder why the US Secretary of Transportation labeled distracted driving as a national epidemic (DOT). 

            The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines distracted driving as "driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving; these activities can increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash" (CDC).  And although there are several types of activities to distract drivers, such as eating, using navigation systems, and talking on the phone, text messaging is by far the most dangerous activity a driver can do.  Texting is most dangerous because it negatively affects the visual, cognitive, and manual responses that are necessary for a driver to effectively operate a motor vehicle (CDC).  Furthermore, research studies show that a driver is 23 times more likely to have a motor vehicle crash when he texts while driving (AT&T).  It is also reported that texting while driving ("TWD") is more dangerous than drunk driving (Texting & Driving Safety).    

            Banned in several states, texting while driving has become a "hot topic " for discussion as concerned citizens search for possible solutions to this widespread problem that kills 15 Americans each and every day (Guard Child).  In response to the numerous fatalities resulting from TWD, legislators around the nation rushed to enact laws banning the life-threatening practice.  Criticized by skeptics as being a "knee-jerk" reaction by legislators, the TWD bans are suspected of actually increasing the number of motor vehicle crashes according to independent studies (Scholastic).  Experts claim that the bans are not enforced, and offenders drive less carefully because they are trying to conceal their texting from law enforcement agents (Scholastic).  By keeping their cell phone sitting on their lap or lower, then the driver's concealing activities actually lead to riskier driving and more accidents.        

            In addition to legislative bans, texting while driving ("TWD") has become such a common phenomena that tens of millions of dollars are being spent on public campaigns aimed at countering its negative impact on the community (Oprah).  The staggering statistics coupled with the common occurrence of TWD, has elicited a public outcry from the media, politicians, law-makers, celebrities, businesses, and organizations (Oprah).  These campaigns come in many forms:  public service announcements, pledge/oath day events, television commercials, online videos and commercials, documentaries, and print ads, just to name a few (CDC). 

            Some of these campaigns contain celebrity endorsements by Oprah Winfrey, talk show host and network mogul; Justin Bieber, pop music superstar and teen heart throb; and Forest Whitaker, award-winning actor, which proves that the "anti-distraction/TWD" campaigns are reaching the public on a national level (Oprah).  In fact, last year, 165 organizations helped spread awareness and encourage people to pledge not to text while driving (CDC).        

            But, the question remains....Are these campaigns really working to reduce the level of injuries or fatalities from texting while driving?

            To answer this question, the validity, reliability, and dependability of current research data must be fully analyzed and compared with the pre-campaign statistics to see if the campaigns actually work to reduce the TWD-originated injuries and fatalities.  But this is a difficult question because the data conflicts among sources, and authorities believe that it may be too early to tell if the "anti-distraction" campaigns are actually working to reduce injuries and fatalities (Distraction).  The overall goals are to educate, inform, and empower individuals to stop texting while driving; consequently, one would expect that the end result should be a decrease in overall injuries and fatalities, but it is just too soon to make that determination (Distraction).    

            Perhaps the proper measure of success should be the level of awareness and overall compliance by the public instead.  With these goals in mind, the campaigns now feature stories of misfortune where everyday people experienced loss of life or serious injury to themselves or a loved one from TWD (AT&T).  The campaigns create a meaningful impression when conveyed in a compelling heartfelt manner, which leads to greater retention of the message.   

            To further analyze the campaign's success rate, data concludes that target audiences tend to remember deep, emotional stories of pain and loss, as opposed to remembering statistics (AT&T).  The emotional stories have a lasting impact on audiences.  For instance, in AT&T's "It Can Wait" anti-TWD online documentary campaign, Wil Craig narrates his unfortunate story of being slammed into a tree at 120 mph as a passenger in a friend's car, who texted while driving; consequently, authorities identified Wil as "dead" on the scene.  After being cut out of the windshield, doctor's believed that if he lived, he would be no more than a "vegetable" for the rest of his 19 year old life.  After being on life support and in a coma for several months, Wil had to learn how to talk, walk, and move again...Wil Craig survived, pushed through the pain, and now tells his story about the dangers of texting while driving.  Even though he was not the one who texted while driving, he harbors no resentment towards his former girlfriend.  Instead he travels around the nation sharing his story of heartache, loss, recovery, and now, hope.  This is one of many touching stories that work well to educate, reach, and empower the community (AT&T).    

            Since its inception, AT&T and other organizations' campaigns have secured 1.2 million pledges from the public, which is substantial reach to the public.  Additionally, awareness of the "It Can Wait" campaign increased 26% during the most recent campaign period showing that the public's awareness of the TWD issue is increasing and success is imminent (AT&T).  And even though direct correlation is inconclusive, the Department of Transportation reported that the total fatalities and injuries from car accidents decreased by thousands from 2007 to 2008, which further indicates positive achievement by the campaigns (DOT). 

            If success is measured by pure numerical data alone, critics could label these campaigns as small letdowns, but overall, these campaigns are reaching, educating, and empowering the public to drive responsibly and avoid the life-threatening practice of texting while driving.

And in the words of Wil Craig, a miraculous survivor of a TWD accident, "if even one life is saved

from sharing my story and this campaign, then it has been a success." 

 

  

Sources Used:

ItCanWait.org ("AT&T") 

Oprah.com
Distraction.gov
GuardChild.com
CDC.gov
DOT.gov
Scholastic.com
TextingandDrivingSafety.com

          

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful You: A Bridal Guide to Healthy Beautiful Skin

(Article Published in Tulle Wedding Magazine Winter/Spring 2011 Edition)

Your “big day” is quickly approaching and everyone loves to see a radiant, glowing bride walking confidently down the aisle… It is your wedding day:  arguably the most important day of your life, and it should be filled with beautiful images reflecting the gift of love and lasting commitment between you and your husband-to-be.  It all starts with skin care.  In between choosing your dream wedding gown, selecting invitations and stationary, and executing your bridal checklist, make certain that you plan to carry out a full bridal skin care regimen before your wedding day.  Possessing a flawless even skin tone and complexion provides for better makeup application results and also offers a high quality photo-finish look to your wedding portraits. 

                To achieve a flawless radiant glowing complexion on your wedding day, begin with a thorough skin care regimen and be consistent.  Use potent product lines that work well for your particular skin type.  The proper cleanser, toner, exfoliate, and moisturizer will deliver the results that you desire on this glamorous occasion. 

                Choose a reputable cleanser to apply twice daily, morning and evening.  Cleansers are found in foam, gel, and liquid forms over-the-counter at most department and drug stores.  Select an appropriate cleanser that leaves skin feeling soft, clear, and “squeaky clean” without over drying. 

                If you have an oily skin type, then utilizing a toner is a must.  Incorporate a daily astringent-like toner into your routine.  A purifying toner balances the pH of skin, kills bacteria, and also shrinks over-enlarged pores back down to size.  Toners also renew and refresh the skin. 

                Use a gentle, yet effective exfoliating product 2-3 times per week.  Exfoliating more or less than what is recommended is counter-productive.  Over-exfoliating can be traumatizing to the skin and cause adverse effects, whereas under exfoliating will proliferate clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules.  

                In addition to cleansing, toning, and exfoliating, moisturizing hydration is paramount in obtaining a flawless, glowing complexion.  Apply a water-based hydrating lotion with an SPF of 15+ to neck and work in upward, sweeping motions from neck to forehead, making certain that all areas have been covered.  If using a vitamin enriched serum in your regimen, be sure to always apply serums before applying your moisturizer. 

                Before saying “I do” at the altar, follow these simple bridal “do’s” and you will be overjoyed that you did.  

Bridal Do’s

-Do establish a consistent skin care regimen and follow it daily

-Do consult a dermatologist or esthetician (skin care therapist) for treatment of advanced skin conditions such as recurring acne, scar tissue, and hypo/hyper pigmentation

-Do adopt a healthy, balanced eating plan that provides proper nutrition internally.

-Do drink plenty of water and herbal teas.  Water flushes harmful toxins out of the body and teas are natural antioxidants that fight “free radicals”.

-Do exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes of moderate to high intensity every day. Exercise increases blood circulation, which improves skin tone and texture, delivering vital nutrients to skin tissues. 

-Do schedule a “trial run” 3 weeks in advance with a makeup artist to guarantee no allergic reactions will occur on your wedding day

Bridal Don’ts

-Don’t try any new skin products or procedures in week leading to your wedding day.  Schedule all facial and body waxing services 2 weeks before the wedding and opt for a “touch up” session the week before the wedding. 

-Don’t try a new hair product line too close to your wedding day.  It may cause an unexpected allergic reaction. 

-Don’t wait to consult a dermatologist or esthetician at the last minute.  Health care professionals are often busy and it may take months to book an appointment. 

-Don’t drink heavily caffeinated and carbonated beverages.  They can reactivate skin problems in people with rosacia and acne.

                When anticipating the most important day of your life, keep these helpful recommendations in mind when developing a consistent skin care regimen that will prepare you to be the “center of attention” as you strut down the aisle.  With proper implementation, the flawless glowing complexion that all brides desire to have, can and will be yours.       

   

Emergency: Winter Skincare Advisory

Brittle cold temperatures plus dry home heating systems equals…less than desirable skin conditions for most people.  When dealing with the change of weather from the summer warmth to the chilly wintry season, keep the following practices in your daily skincare regimen to avoid problematic skin conditions: 

1.)     Use a gentle, yet effective cleanser twice daily (morning & night is best)

2.)    Exfoliate skin (face & body) 2-3 times per week; however, avoid over exfoliation because it can dry the skin and traumatize skin tissues.  

3.)    Choose a balancing toner to incorporate in with your daily regimen (witch hazel astringent works wonders and is also quite affordable)

4.)    Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!!!  A hydrating, water-based, non-comedonegic moisturizer works effectively to prevent dry skin patches and to smooth overall facial texture.  Use an emollient hydrating lotion on the body to “lock in” moisture.     

5.)    Limit daily shower duration to less than 5 minutes, so skin won’t over dry. 

               

                Utilizing the above winter skincare maintenance tips with your everyday regimen will guarantee a smooth and polished appearance revealing a radiant, healthy glowing texture throughout the wintry months and beyond. 

PRODUCT REVIEW: L’OREAL 360° CLEAN

Colorful packaging and clever marketing tactics for the new L’Oreal 360 Clean facial cleanser won’t rescue this low quality product from its most certain doom. The new facial cleanser marketed by L’OREAL definitely has subtle strengths in some areas, yet fatal weaknesses in others.

Ingredients, in conjunction with a committed skincare regimen, can assist in cleansing dirt and oil from the skin’s surface; however, the other components of the 360 Clean don’t do much to reduce present and future breakouts. The ingredients are sufficiently in sync with the benefits promised by the products advertisers; however, the attached “microscrubber” is not abrasive enough to perform a thorough exfoliating effect on the skin. The microscrubber has the consistency of a gummy bear fruit chew. Because of this fact, it fails the deep cleansing test.

The product’s ingredients, however, do deliver in a reasonable way. With glycerin included in the formula helping to provide a softening effect to the skin, a strong water binder also aids in delivering the cleansing agents to the corneum (top) layer of the skin. Salicyclic acid (a betahydroxy acid) coupled with citric acid (a form of alpha-hydroxy acid) promotes exfoliation and carries intense antiseptic properties, which strips away dirt and oil, purifying the skin and its tissues.

The active ingredients included within this product would be most beneficial in a higher concentrated formula and in conjunction with a textured, more abrasive exfoliating scrubber. If these changes were made, the new L’Oreal 360 Clean would definitely pass the test. Since it does not, it is quite evident that the cleanser simply does not deliver.