Since we first started fighting against distracted driving, I have met with the heads of nearly every leading automaker and I have asked each of them to do what they can to help us end this deadly epidemic.
In December, I met with BMW of North America CEO Jim O'Donnell, who shared my concern about the alarming number of deaths and injuries caused every year by distracted driving.
And I'm pleased to say that today, BMW is joining our fight with a new national anti-distracted driving campaign called, "Don't Text and Drive: When the engine starts, the texting stops . " Soon, people across America will see BMW's powerful new television ad, as well as print and online advertisements reminding drivers that no call or text is worth the risk.
With this initiative, launched just in time for the summer driving season, BMW has really stepped up to the plate. Their new ad campaign says it all -- see it for yourself right here:
As Jim O'Donnell said, "We developed this campaign in hopes of evoking emotion and conveying the serious dangers of distracted driving and its potential consequences.”
BMW’s message is clear, and I agree 100 percent: stay focused on safety.
In fact, BMW 's efforts extend beyond their creative new advertising campaign. The "DON'T TXT & DRIVE" message will be included in more than 100 teen driving schools conducted across the U.S. this year by the BMW Car Club of America. Dealerships will also add showroom and vehicle displays featuring this important safety message.
Last year, Subaru also launched a nationwide anti-distracted driving ad that caught my attention. And when I met with auto executives, I pointed to this ad as an example of how they could help our cause. I'm pleased that Jim O'Donnell was listening, and I hope to see other automakers joining our fight.
I applaud BMW for their strong leadership in raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Working together, I know we will save lives.
Kudos to BMW, and kudos to you Mr.LaHood.
Texting is a menace on our roads and a great danger that has been spreading its tentacles largely unnoticed. So I greatly appreciate and applaud your (Mr.LaHood's) campaign to counter it.
I also join you in appreciating BMW's gesture. I think the ad is good, although judging by their other ads it could have been much better...eitherway, I hope more car companies will join in...
One thing that's somewhat odd is that on one hand finally car companies are starting to join in the fight against distractions on the road, while on they other they have long been systematically designing their products to make driving more "enjoyable"...in the process increasing the probability of driving distractions...from stereo systems to TV/DVDs to iPod/iPhone and laptop stations...at some point you'll have to say (just like you did with seatbelts) that we must make a systematic change in order to make our roads safer...
Posted by: Henna | June 01, 2011 at 11:07 AM
'Anti-texting' on the one-hand, yet more and more need to deal with distracting center console touch pad instrumentation on the other. Hmmm.
Posted by: No Touch Driving | June 01, 2011 at 12:06 PM
Its really a great effort more BMW, now its time for other automotive brands to turn their preference to this campaign too.
Posted by: Mud Trucks | June 02, 2011 at 02:39 AM
I have the perfect idea on how to prevent texting while driving. Picture the idea that your phone is useless while driving... Meaning with my idea your hand held device will no longer be needed while operating an automobile...
Posted by: Jermaine White | June 02, 2011 at 01:33 PM
The time has come to limit the right to risk life and limb of self and others just to talk or text with friends. There is patented technology that does exactly as Jermaine White suggests above. It has been presented to Ray LaHood and others in political power most recently Senator Feinstein. In the meantime the cell phone mfg'rs and communication Co's. have resisted adopting available limitations fearing loss of revenues while thousands die from distrated driving, many more are injured and billions of property losses occur--ANNUALY!! To learn more about this existing developed techno solution to this major problem go to: www.TrySafetyFirst.com This is also the best solution to classroom use, in courtroom, prisons, hospitals and other venues--the solution is available The solution is available, proven and cost effective--FREE!!!
Posted by: Murray Fowler | June 07, 2011 at 11:52 PM
Thanks Secretary LaHood and BMW.
Likewise the Center for Disease Control, where their attention can't medically prevent this health threat. Changing the behaviors and culture are key.
The World Health Organization and United Nations and many countries around the world have made substantial recommendations and contributions to crash prevention worldwide. We now have 3200 car crash fatalities per day, the world's leading cause of violence.
Our SurvivetheDrive.org program has been addressing distracted driving of all types (inattentive blindness)and 'Driving While Oblivious' (DWO) since 1996 presenting the message to 100,000 teen drivers (our most vulnerable). There's more to be done.
Posted by: Robert Green | June 08, 2011 at 07:24 AM
Say it ain’t so Secretary LaHood! Up to now you have been using your web site as a bully pulpit against the deadly distracted driving epidemic, which is responsible for almost 6,000 deaths each year and more than 500,000 injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that you direct.
BMW is in the process of becoming the first automobile manufacturer in the world to have voice-read e-mail messages inside its vehicles. And you praise it for an ad campaign saying it is against texting and driving?
The latest BMW electronic feature – or distraction enabler in my view - will be introduced this fall in Europe and North America on all BMW models equipped with its navigation system. BMW claims the iDrive operating system provides “simple, safe and intuitive control of all functions, while causing minimum distraction from the road.”
Owners of a BlackBerry smart phone will be able to access the phone’s e-mail function via the BMW iDrive operating system. A new Bluetooth interface will integrate the BlackBerry into the vehicle. It allows e-mails to be received and displayed on the “Control Display,” and read aloud by means of an optional voice output feature.
Posted by: Ken Zino | June 08, 2011 at 10:42 AM
Fantastic ad campaign BMW! THANK YOU for this!! I'm a marketer (and an American) who has driven BMWs for years, both here and in Germany - my biggest, daily complaint - the perpetual inattentiveness of Americans when they drive their vehicles. It infuriates me! I would LOVE to lend support to this cause. Lisa
(P.S. Please create bumper stickers, magnets, etc. ASAP!)
Posted by: Lisa | June 08, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Hi,
Kudos on your excellent blog site. Our company recently completed a video on the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid. Who would I contact to see if your site might want to post it?
Thanks,
John Hopkins
Car Culture
Posted by: John Hopkins | June 17, 2011 at 02:33 PM