Nowadays, bumper stickers are a common car accessory that many people use to convey their beliefs or sometimes something that they find comedic. However, this bumper sticker blends both ideas and humor while poking fun of a situation that is indeed very important and grievous.
The bumper sticker itself states “HONK IF YOU LOVE JESUS, TEXT IF YOU WANT TO MEET HIM”. However, it is evident that the latter part of the statement should not be taken seriously. Most people, anyone who knows who “Jesus” is, will immediately gather that the bumper sticker is associating texting while driving with death. This is because, in the Christian faith, believers meet Jesus after death. However, texting and driving is becoming a more common and more dangerous occurrence in the United States, so this bumper sticker serves to discourage texting and driving by directly associating it with death to all those who view the bumper sticker.
Statistics show that 1.6 million car accidents per year are a result of cell phone use while driving, which constitutes the reasoning behind ¼ of all car accidents per year. Additionally, you are 6x more likely to get into a car accident texting while driving than you are to get in a car accident drunk.
One study showed that every day, at least 9 people are killed in texting and driving accidents and over 1000 are injured. Texting and driving is now the leading cause of death among teenagers. However, teens are not the only cohort that texts while driving. Cell phone use was involved in over 30% of fatal crashes of drivers between ages 20-29. The percentage decreases as age increases but still remains high with over 20% between 30-39 and over 10% for ages 40-59.
Taking all of these dangers in fatalities into account, one would encourage that states put laws into place to prohibit texting and driving. Here’s the kicker: 48 states have some sort of limitation on phone use, 38 of which completely ban any type of cell phone use of teens driving. However, it is quite evident that these laws are ineffective and not taken seriously.
This placement of the message on a bumper sticker makes it more effective than if it was placed elsewhere. On a poster in a building or as a post on social media, it would not be nearly as effective. Part of the reason why it is so impactful is that others view it while driving when they are tempted to text and drive.
Although this bumper sticker merely contains 11 words, it conveys a strong message. Lives are worth way more than a text message.
This reminds me of a particularly funny billboard I saw in the south saying something along the lines of “Hell is hot, do you have AC?” like some sort of strange heating/cooling company meets brimstone preacher. Anyway, your use of statistics is compelling, perhaps you could have also mentioned that in certain states people can go to court over a texting-while-driving offence. Or maybe include some extra disturbing anti-texting-while-driving campaigns such as the UK “Cow” commercial (i’m just a lil scared)
I like how you included all these statistics about texting and driving. I do agree that texting and driving is an increasing problem in America since it is easy to be on the phone once someone gets a hang of driving. I do agree that this sticker would work the best only by putting it on a car since it is actually referring to the car.