A young film-maker, frightened by the way her peers use their mobile phones while driving, has produced a film to highlight the potential dangers of their actions.
Released today (25 Nov), ‘Cadence’ marks the launch of a year-long campaign by The AA Charitable Trust* to help tackle the issue of texting while driving.
The 11-minute film tells the story of a young couple on the brink of musical success, whose lives are changed forever by a poor driving decision.
Emmeline Kellie, who wrote, starred in and produced the film, says she was compelled to do so after becoming a nervous passenger with many of her friends because they were always using their mobiles while driving.
Emmeline Kellie, who graduated from the University of Derby in Media Production, said: “People just don’t realise it only takes one moment to glance at a text and it can all go wrong behind the wheel; and that it only needs to go wrong once.”
Edmund King OBE, AA Charitable Trust director, said: “Despite horrific and tragic deaths caused by drivers distracted by phones, the problem is still rife.
“This epidemic of hand held mobile phone use while driving has already cost lives and drivers have demanded action.
“Three quarters of drivers see others using mobile phones on some or most journeys, with one quarter seeing it on every journey, according to our polls.
“Our campaign aims to change attitudes but it must be supported by tougher penalties and more cops in cars.”
The film was made with funding provided by the AA Charitable Trust and with support from the University of Derby and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.
*Founded in 2008, the AA Charitable Trust aims to reduce the number of deaths on roads and in motor vehicles by educating road users and promoting understanding and awareness of road safety and eco-driving.
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