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Escape! Because Accidents Happen—Car Crash

Viewing Ideas

Before Watching

1. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for people ages 6 to 27. Have students brainstorm a list of traffic laws and car design features that address safety issues (such as speed limits, drunk driving laws, seat belts and childproof locks). As they watch, have students take notes on car safety features.

After Watching

1. On the chalkboard, compile a list of safety features from students' notes. For each feature, discuss what safety issues it addresses, how it evolved and how it works. Is it possible to design a car that is 100 percent safe?

2. Some states have enacted laws requiring people to use seat belts. What role do students think government agencies should play in mandating safety guidelines? As students discuss their opinions, they might consider who is affected by an automobile accident, who bears the cost and how the right to make personal choices about behavior intersects with government's responsibility to legislate behavior in order to protect society.