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AAA's Horribly Offensive Seatbelt Commercial
by melissa b. written to AAA Minnesota/Iowa
Posted Sat February 23, 2008 12:00 pm
Write a Letter to this Company

I am writing to you because of the HORRIBLE "Live to drive another day" commercial you have airing in Minnesota. In this commercial four teens are driving and they are hit by another car, everyone in the car is killed except one of the male teens sitting next to his girlfriend in the back. The sole survivor is the only one not wearing a seatbelt. You then hear one of the responders saying "It looks like the only one not wearing a seatbelt killed everyone else" meaning that he was so so jostled around, he was slammed front and hit those two and then slammed into his girlfriend next to him and killed her as well.

I think this is really offensive! First of all HE did not kill anyone, he was not the driver and they were hit by someone else!

While I understand Minnesota has the most teen driving deaths I don't think this is the right way to express that. I agree that seatbelt safety is important, but I really feel this commercial crosses the line!


Reply



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by LoosMoose Posted Tue March 4, 2008 @ 3:11 AM

I would disagree... while the ad is certainly "reaching" quite a bit..
it does make a valid point. You may argue that the unbelted occupant
didn't intend to harm his friends.. but the point is made... if you
don't wear your belt, you endanger others. Therefore the conscious
decision to NOT wear a seatbelt means putting those around you at
risk.

I am a 30+ year pilot, and we can't even take the SIMULATOR onto
motion, unless *everyone* including the instructor in the back, is
belted in. I guarantee you, if you have a 150 body unbelted behind
you,and you are involved in an accident, you are going to be injured
by that person.

I think that the commercial probably could have made this point a
little more politely... but then.. sometimes you need to shake people
up to get their attention.

Reply
by Lawchick Posted Mon March 3, 2008 @ 5:22 PM

I am surprised by the commercial's claim that the only one living
wasn't wearing a belt. Seems to me it just might be an endorsement
NOT to wear seatbelts. Instead of the position that perhaps this boy
caused the others' deaths, maybe he was still alive because he was not
trapped in the seat getting crushed.

A friend of mine's grandmother who was almost 100 at the time was in a
horrific car accident. She was sleeping in the back seat without a
belt. The only way she DID survive was because she was thrown to the
floor when the top of the vehicle was crushed by a fuel tanker. You
just never know...

Reply

In the PSA. by All About the Branding Thu March 6, 2008 @ 12:01 PM
by Giggle pie Posted Wed February 27, 2008 @ 10:44 PM

I've seen this commercial and even though I was a little startled by
it, I think they should have it. If it gets teens to buckle up and
save lives then it's worth it.

Reply


by MA Cunningham Posted Tue February 26, 2008 @ 9:08 AM

This is not offensive, IMHO. Ineffective and somewhat misleading (if
he was tossed around the car with enough force to kill the three
seatbelted passengers, he wouldn't be alive either.)absolutely, but
it's not distasteful or gory enough that it should offend anyone. And
it misses the point that safe driving is just as important as seatbelt
use.

But the reality is that teen accidents ARE grusome and tragic and more
offensive than any commercial could ever portray.

The best way to curb this is to EDUCATE. Teach kids that a car is not
a toy. It's 2 tons of rolling steel that can end a life in a split
second if not treated responsibly.

Complaining about a bad commercial won't change the reality. Making
sure our kids are safe and that they understand the seriousness of
driving can.

If you truly want to see what's offensive, try Googling Nikki
Katsouras. It will make you NEVER want to give your kids the keys to
ANY car.

Reply

"if he was tossed around the car with enough force to kill the three seatbelted passengers, he wouldn't be alive either" by All About the Branding Tue February 26, 2008 @ 9:51 AM

Thtas not the commercial on TV. by lissie Tue February 26, 2008 @ 8:30 PM

Where can I find the TV-specific version? by All About the Branding Wed February 27, 2008 @ 6:55 AM

I found it. by All About the Branding Wed February 27, 2008 @ 7:10 AM

Slightly off topic... by jmuhorn99 Tue February 26, 2008 @ 11:52 AM


Check out by MA Cunningham Tue February 26, 2008 @ 1:07 PM


GRRRR by MA Cunningham Tue February 26, 2008 @ 1:14 PM


Wrong spelling by Beeracuda Tue February 26, 2008 @ 8:10 PM


Whoops! by MA Cunningham Wed February 27, 2008 @ 2:27 PM

by ♥Venice♥ Posted Tue February 26, 2008 @ 1:29 AM

Before prom each year, our high school stages a reenactment of a
multiple car crash in the parking lot of the school. It's complete
with wrecked cars, bloody and mangled people, police, ambulance and
firemen. I think the seniors are required to watch, and I remember my
daughter being very upset by it. Every year when I see the pictures in
our local newspaper, I always think it's a real accident at first
glance, and then I realize it's the reenactment. I've never seen it
in person, but the pictures alone are enough to make the kids stop and
think before drinking and driving. It may be disturbing, and I'm sure
there are some parents who object to this approach, but I really think
it sends a clear message to the kids and leaves a lasting impression.
I'm in favor of it.

Has anyone noticed how graphic the smoking commercials are lately?
They're hard to watch, but unfortunately that's what it takes to make
people pay attention.

Reply


Smoking commercials by RedheadwGlasses Tue February 26, 2008 @ 8:36 AM


I haven't seen either of those by ♥Venice♥ Tue February 26, 2008 @ 4:30 PM


I've never heard of this, but I like it by Knuckles Tue February 26, 2008 @ 11:54 AM


I am a visual learner, too by ♥Venice♥ Tue February 26, 2008 @ 4:43 PM
by Adam W Posted Mon February 25, 2008 @ 11:16 PM

n/t

Reply

adam check youtube by dottiejean28 Tue February 26, 2008 @ 9:50 AM

Except that the OP... by All About the Branding Tue February 26, 2008 @ 9:52 AM


by Melissa Savelloni Posted Mon February 25, 2008 @ 5:22 PM

My view is this:

If this ad causes even ONE PERSON to always wear their seatbelt after
watching it, then its wonderful. If the horrible image saves a life,
then it has served its purpose.

Reply


Probably... by Andrew 1 Tue February 26, 2008 @ 10:33 AM
by dottiejean28 Posted Mon February 25, 2008 @ 8:43 AM

The UK has a bunch of ads like these about seatbelts...one has a boy
who was'nt wearing one and flew to the front seat and broke his moms
neck by flying into her...she died he lived. Its really put the scare
into me to wear a belt.

Reply

Here is a prime example... by All About the Branding Mon February 25, 2008 @ 9:51 AM

by Andrew 1 Posted Mon February 25, 2008 @ 2:08 AM

When I was in high school, four seniors were killed in a car
accident. The school put the wreck at the entrance to their driveway,
and all the students had to look at it. If you went up close, you
could see that it had not been washed.
Weeks later, due to constant criticism by parents about the trauma
this was causing to their kids, the school's administration had it
removed.
There's a thin line between how much shock can do to protect kids,
and the nightmares it might produce. Graphic depictions of violent
death are questionable at best, even if put in public by well meaning
people.

Reply

In this day and age..... by dawniedawn67 Mon February 25, 2008 @ 8:50 AM


They made the point clear by Adam D Mon February 25, 2008 @ 9:41 AM


what's the other way? by Andrew 1 Mon February 25, 2008 @ 11:56 AM

Unfortunately.... by dawniedawn67 Mon February 25, 2008 @ 2:13 PM

What makes you say that? by Keith C Mon February 25, 2008 @ 10:59 PM


No. by Andrew 1 Tue February 26, 2008 @ 3:12 AM

Find it, probably. Find it humorous, I don't know. by Keith C. Thu February 28, 2008 @ 6:03 PM


I agree. by Andrew 1 Fri February 29, 2008 @ 2:30 PM


by RedheadwGlasses Posted Sun February 24, 2008 @ 12:40 PM

I honestly believe that is a ridiculous commercial. Someone at work
mentioned that (I also am in Minnesota) and it just seemed to be a
stretch that just from the boy being tossed around, their injuries
were that serious. What about if he had been buckled in? Would they
still have died? I just think it's such an exaggeration, that it's an
ineffective commercial and therefore, a waste of money, especially tax
dollars. I support *effective* public education programs.

The fact is, to make kids safer when they're driving, we should do
what other states have done, like Wisconsin: Young (age 16 and 17)
drivers may have only ONE friend under a certain age (21? 25?) in the
vehicle with them at any time, no using of cell phones, no texting,
etc. Violators lose their license until age 18. It's working --
states with laws like this seem to be seeing a decline in the deaths
of young drivers.

KIDS ARE DYING FROM TEXTING WHILE DRIVING!!!

Holy crap, parents, you need to talk to your kids and get them to NOT
do this if at all possible. That's like knowingly letting a drunk
driver out on the road. Responsibe drivers deserve better than that.

Reply


New York.. by Harleycat Sun February 24, 2008 @ 12:44 PM


You're right. The laws are not enforced in New York by ♥Venice♥ Sun February 24, 2008 @ 5:17 PM


Give me a light, a siren by Knuckles Sun February 24, 2008 @ 9:24 PM

New York by Tange382 Mon February 25, 2008 @ 11:18 AM


I beg to differ... by Harleycat Mon February 25, 2008 @ 11:33 AM

yes but... by Tange382 Mon February 25, 2008 @ 4:19 PM


How can one become distracted? by Harleycat Mon February 25, 2008 @ 5:27 PM

semi-agree by Tange382 Mon February 25, 2008 @ 10:53 PM


I haven't seen the commercial, by Don-Oh Sun February 24, 2008 @ 1:40 PM


Some of my favorites.. by Harleycat Sun February 24, 2008 @ 2:04 PM


All I can say is by Knuckles Sun February 24, 2008 @ 2:50 PM


The flashers.. by Harleycat Sun February 24, 2008 @ 3:31 PM

Who paid for the ads? by All About the Branding Sun February 24, 2008 @ 8:33 PM

You're kidding, right? by Keith C Mon February 25, 2008 @ 4:58 PM


I understand the physics and don't need you to explain it by RedheadwGlasses Mon February 25, 2008 @ 7:14 PM

When you respond to a letter... by Keith C Mon February 25, 2008 @ 10:27 PM


Maybe she should take it to your blog by ♥Venice♥ Mon February 25, 2008 @ 11:54 PM

LOL by Keith C Tue February 26, 2008 @ 12:02 AM


I'm fine with anyone's response except yours by RedheadwGlasses Tue February 26, 2008 @ 12:45 PM

Sadly, you still think I care. by Keith C. Thu February 28, 2008 @ 6:08 PM

From your response: by Keith C Mon February 25, 2008 @ 10:29 PM

Remember about 20 years ago by William37 Mon February 25, 2008 @ 7:16 PM

Oh, man! by William37 Mon February 25, 2008 @ 7:18 PM

Isn't there some car make that still has the hood like that? by Keith C Mon February 25, 2008 @ 10:56 PM

Yes. by William37 Tue February 26, 2008 @ 9:41 AM

Hmm.... by Keith C. Thu February 28, 2008 @ 6:10 PM

by RedheadwGlasses Posted Sun February 24, 2008 @ 12:40 PM

I honestly believe that is a ridiculous commercial. Someone at work
mentioned that (I also am in Minnesota) and it just seemed to be a
stretch that just from the boy being tossed around, their injuries
were that serious. What about if he had been buckled in? Would they
still have died? I just think it's such an exaggeration, that it's an
ineffective commercial and therefore, a waste of money, especially tax
dollars. I support *effective* public education programs.

The fact is, to make kids safer when they're driving, we should do
what other states have done, like Wisconsin: Young (age 16 and 17)
drivers may have only ONE friend under a certain age (21? 25?) in the
vehicle with them at any time, no using of cell phones, no texting,
etc. Violators lose their license until age 18. It's working --
states with laws like this seem to be seeing a decline in the deaths
of young drivers.

KIDS ARE DYING FROM TEXTING WHILE DRIVING!!!

Holy crap, parents, you need to talk to your kids and get them to NOT
do this if at all possible. That's like knowingly letting a drunk
driver out on the road. Response drivers deserve better than that.

Reply
by Keith C Posted Sun February 24, 2008 @ 1:35 AM

A friend of mine always refused to wear his seatbelt. He was in an
accident once, where--while not wearing a seatbelt--he was ejected
from the car, and suffered only minor injuries. He contends that had
he remained in the car, he would have died, as the driver did. He was
a great guy, but young and foolish. It was impossible to convince him
that, even if he did fare better in that one case, it was an
aberration. Every accident is different, but statistically, you're
much more likely to survive with a seatbelt.

Statistics didn't work on him, and they likely won't for others.
Teenagers have always been oblivious to risk and warnings, and filled
with a sense of invincibility. They've always been difficult to
reach.

It's key to reach them in a way that they can understand. If it takes
a graphic depiction of what can happen, to get the message across,
then so be it. I haven't seen the commercial, but I can't imagine it
being as offensive as a mangled body in "real life", which
may well be the alternative.

Reply

I was in an accident years ago... by dawniedawn67 Sun February 24, 2008 @ 2:00 PM


What I see on a daily basis by Adam D Sun February 24, 2008 @ 2:05 PM


In ancient times.. by Harleycat Sun February 24, 2008 @ 4:54 PM

My friends by lissie Sun February 24, 2008 @ 5:57 PM

And there we have it... by All About the Branding Sun February 24, 2008 @ 6:31 PM

Dont misunderstand by lissie Sun February 24, 2008 @ 8:34 PM

If you think that a 17 year old should wear a seatbelt, why... by All About the Branding Sun February 24, 2008 @ 8:43 PM

because I think by lissie Tue February 26, 2008 @ 8:36 PM

Because they did. by All About the Branding Wed February 27, 2008 @ 6:53 AM


lissie by ♥Venice♥ Sun February 24, 2008 @ 11:50 PM


I can understand your thoughts by Adam D Sun February 24, 2008 @ 6:50 PM


I certainly hope by LadyMac Sun February 24, 2008 @ 8:56 PM

I'm very sorry to hear about your cousin by Keith C Mon February 25, 2008 @ 4:50 PM


by Gino Posted Sun February 24, 2008 @ 1:11 AM


Because I don't like it, doesn't mean it should be censored or
changed. And the same hold true for any public service announcement.
Using pretty props won't give the same impact of the consquences to
this behavior. If you have a teen, let them see this no matter how you
feel, it could save one life despite how you may react to the reality
of it on a commercial.

That's one phone call that is any parent's worst nighmare. A little
horror now may spare having to deal with the real thing later.

Reply

I dont by lissie Sun February 24, 2008 @ 5:54 PM

No offense... by All About the Branding Sun February 24, 2008 @ 6:24 PM


I don't have any children either, lissie by Gino Sun February 24, 2008 @ 10:53 PM


But unfortunately... by Harleycat Mon February 25, 2008 @ 8:50 AM
by ChrisO Posted Sun February 24, 2008 @ 12:09 AM

So you're basically saying it's offensive because it's disgusting? I
find the Peta ads disgusting but I'm not offended by them trying to
save the lives of animals. You shouldn't be offended by AAA trying to
save the lives of people.

The world is not all warm, fuzzy and perfect. Bad, PREVENTABLE things
do happen. If AAA's graphic ad can prevent the stupidity of one
person, it's worth it.

Reply

by Gizmo. Posted Sat February 23, 2008 @ 11:01 PM

I don't find this offensive at all. I'm going to show this video to
my husband. He refuses to wear his seatbelt because he says it is
uncomfortable. I'm going to let him know that he is putting not only
himself but also me (and our unborn baby) at danger. I think it will
get the point across.

Reply

uncomfortable by haranj Sun February 24, 2008 @ 10:01 AM


by Don-Oh Posted Sat February 23, 2008 @ 9:21 PM

You know what is offensive? People dying unneccessarily in automobile
accidents.

Anything to make our young "invincible" drivers think twice
when they get into a car I personally support. It only takes a few
seconds for life to come to an end.

A loose body becomes a very dangerous object when a car comes to an
abrupt halt. A lot of people don't realize that. I suppose they
could come up with other ways to get that point across, but none of
them is going to be pretty. Reality can be ugly.

Reply

by Eddie Munster Posted Sat February 23, 2008 @ 3:49 PM

The commercial referred to by the other poster is graphic, but I'm not
sure I would use offensive as the description. Assuming its the same
commercial here it is http://youtube.com/watch?v=PA0FRpbJt1s

Reply