At The Wheel: A History of Driving and Driving Safety Film
This film from director/producer Rodney Jacobs and Freewheelin' Films, "At the Wheel / A History of Driving and Driving Safety Film" (1980) explores the evolution of driving and the importance of skill behind the wheel. It begins with the invention of the automobile in the late 19th century. As roads improved and cars became faster, driving evolved into a challenging and exciting activity that demanded skill. The film also traces the rise of safety awareness, particularly in response to increasing road fatalities in the 1960s, leading to innovations like seat belts and the growth of professional driving schools. The film concludes by affirming that while most people won’t race professionally, every driver can benefit from improving their skills for greater safety, confidence, and enjoyment on the road.
DUI Decisions
This short social guidance and driver's education film from the 1970s emphasizes the dangers of alcohol, most especially its impacts on driving and decision-making. It includes many interviews with individuals in public (e.g., on the street, at school) and rich, descriptive narration of key moral ideas.
Broken Glass
The film shows the risks associated with different driving speeds and the impact of collisions. It includes demonstrations of controlled impacts, part of experiments conducted by the University of California to study car crashes and improve safety. This includes the use of anthropometric dummies to measure the effects of collisions on passengers. The importance of safety seat belts and shoulder harnesses in preventing injuries is shown, as well as the dangers to unrestrained children in car accidents and the use of lifelike dolls in experiments. The conclusion of the film emphasises the driver's role in ensuring safety by being attentive and careful.
Safety Or Slaughter?
This driver's education film is about the importance of driver behavior in preventing accidents. The narrator, Gordon Anderson of the Industrial Accident Prevention Associations of Ontario, points out that road accidents are a major cause of fatalities. The core problem lies with the driver, whose decision-making can be compromised by fatigue, alcohol, poor vision, and especially, "bad manners." Statistics and tragic real-life examples show that 81% of accidents are caused by driver errors, and 97% of accidents involve cars in good condition. The film advocates for a proactive approach to safety, urging drivers to follow simple rules of the road. It also suggests solutions like stiffer physical and mental tests for drivers, compulsory vehicle inspections, and use of safety belts. The biggest factor is a lack of courtesy. The film asks drivers to choose "safety or slaughter" by remembering their human limitations and treating other drivers with respect and good manners.
The Perfect Crime
This National Safety Council driver's education film presents accidents caused by excess speed -- as the perfect crime. As the narrator explains, "high speeds can lead to dangerous accidents and death. Unlike other crimes, there will be no investigation as to the cause of the crime". The film shows how driving in rain, at night or with an improperly maintained vehicle can all be deadly. Other troublesome factors include the condition of the road and the driver as substances like alcohol impair driving ability. The film ends with a plea to help support maintaining good roadways. The film was funded by the Caterpillar Tractor Co. as a public service.
The Big Click
A 1980s PSA encouraging people to wear seatbelts.
Before It's Too Late
This color educational traffic safety film starring Dick Van Dyke is about seat belt safety.