Autoblog

Because they're such stellar role models with cutting, well-educated insight on all matters, we should follow the lead of our favorite television and movie characters when on the road. We've been so impressed by the well-informed and thoroughly considered stances that many movie and television stars have taken that we hang on their every word, awaiting the eventual revelation of the meaning of life. They're on TV, so they must know, you know? That Ed Begley, what an automotive authority he is. Who hasn't wanted to emulate the drunk starlet as she cruises through life thouroughly self-absorbed? Sarcasm aside, UK-based Motorists' Forum is suggesting the use of television and movie stars, as well as atheletes, to deliver positive messages about road safety.

The premise is that sports figures and popular characters are so well known in people's homes that they're almost like surrogate family members. Because of the familiarity, the feeling is people will pay attention to an embedded message about driving respectfully and raise awareness of poor and antisocial driving practices. They go on to link criminality to seriously bad driving and suggest rewarding responsible behavior behind the wheel. We don't know why, but suggesting we look to people who are yessed to death and insulated from the real world for cues on how to behave in the real world doesn't impress us. We Autobloggers have always been self-thinkers, though. For those that don't see the problem in looking to unqualified, well-known stars for life tips, we can't help you. Babies outgrow spoonfeeding quickly, there's no need for adults to return to the practice.

[Source: Motorists Forum via AutoExpress]