As awareness around car safety and the shocking amount of traffic-related deaths continues to rise, companies are being forced to reconsider their use of stunt driving in commercials. That’s because, according to a recent report from the National Safety Council, Car crash deaths have risen by 14% percent in the last two years, resulting in a total of 40,000 individuals killed in the U.S. alone in 2020.
Stunt driving is often glamorized in commercials, but in the wake of this news, many companies are looking to make a change. They’re aiming to encourage safer driving habits and reduce the number of fatalities.
Some companies are even taking steps to eliminate their use of stunt driving completely. For example, KFC has banned all car stunts from its future commercials and is encouraging other companies to do the same. BMW has also said that it will no longer feature any stunt driving in its commercials, citing safety as a priority.
Outside of commercial use, many car manufacturers are also utilizing technology to create vehicles that are more crash-resistant and operate with higher levels of driver control. Automated emergency braking systems, lane assist systems, and blind-spot monitors are just a few of the features that are being deployed in order to reduce the likelihood of a car accident resulting in a fatality.
Ultimately, this could be a wake-up call for us all. We need to accept and understand the serious risks that traffic fatalities pose and act accordingly. Companies have to take responsibility for their part in glamorizing stunt driving and make a commitment to produce safer commercials to help break the so-called “halo effect” of playing down the reality of fatal car accidents. And car manufacturers need to continue developing and utilizing the latest technologies that help keep us safe on the road.