Distracted Is the New Drunk

Note to Self | Dec 7, 2016

When Mothers Against Drunk Driving was founded in 1980, an estimated 25,000 people were killed in drunk driving crashes each year in the U.S.

Then Frasier stepped in. 

We all know, now, that drinking and driving is a big no-no. But how do we all know that? In part, because shows like the Simpsons and Cheers dedicated plot lines to designated drivers. Growing Pains introduced a character (Matthew Perry!) just to kill him off in a collision.

TV producers didn't just come up with this on their own. They did it because a team at the Harvard School of Public Health made a case for the message. Now, that team is taking on distracted driving. And it's proving to be a much trickier problem. 

Support Note to Self by becoming a member today at NotetoSelfRadio.org/donate.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

History of the War on Terror

CNN national security analyst Peter Bergen reflects on the history of the War on Terror as we approach the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

US appeals court deals blow to natural gas pipeline running through NJ, NY

The court negated a key New Jersey regulator's approval of the massive project.
Gothamist |

The Pentagon is Waging War on Its Own Paper

Plus, the woman shaping Trump’s media diet.
On the Media |

60 Words

It’s been 25 years since 9/11. Today we talk about the 60 words that ushered in everything that came after.
Radiolab |
YOU ARE ONLINE