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Simply knowing an activity is potentially dangerous doesn’t necessarily mean we won’t do it, but a new public service announcement from the Gwent Police Department in Wales clearly aims to stop teens (and adults) from sending text messages while driving.

The PSA (essentially a short film), which depicts a horrible head-on car collision caused by a distracted, texting teen,  has raised some objections over whether the spot is too graphic, but the startling imagery may be a useful deterrent against a risky activity that has become so common.  Here is the controversial PSA in its entirety.

Be warned it’s not for the faint of heart:

I have to admit I’ve texted while behind the wheel, and while I only use the phone at stop lights, I’d say that after watching this video I probably won’t even do that.  Driving requires such an immense amount of concentration, and drivers (especially young ones) need to be ready to react in a split second.  Any activity that draws away your attention as texting does, could have fatal consequences.  What do you think?  Does the video go too far in depicting the danger or do people need a visual reminder?