Our last post examined the severe dangers that result from distracted driving. We concluded the post with a general query as to whether a solution for this very serious epidemic exists. One man has actually stepped up and created a proposed solution to end all of the distraction. The gist of his proposal lies in red nail polish and his proposal is receiving increased national attention on an almost daily basis.
Red Thumb Reminder
Sometimes complex problems are best resolved through simple solutions. Just ask Steve Babcock. Babcock is the man behind the Red Thumb Reminder campaign. He launched the campaign to prevent drivers from texting while operating their motor vehicles.
Babcock’s campaign simply encourages drivers to paint their thumbnail with bright red nail polish. The polish is used so that when drivers look down in an attempt to text, they immediately view their bright red nail and are reminded not to text when driving. Let’s let Babcock himself fill in the details.
The Man Behind the Campaign
Babcock is the executive director and partner of EVB (Evolution Bureau), a San Francisco-based digital advertising agency. As the above video indicates, Babcock admits that he was a habitual texter/driver. He knew his habit was dangerous, but he just couldn’t kick it. He began wondering if there was an easy, effective and inexpensive solution to his problem.
Babcock’s pondering continued until one day he noticed a piece of purple string around his 9 year old daughter’s finger. His daughter wore the string to remind her of things for school. Essentially, the string ignited a very crafty and novel idea.
Babcock opted for a red Sharpie marker rather than twine. He used it to color his right thumbnail. However, in short time the ink wore off. Babcock knew he needed something more permanent.
With his wife’s help, he applied a coat of her red nail polish to his thumb. In short time, he found that the bright glimpse of color consciously reminded him to reconsider his bad habit every time he reached for his phone while driving. Since his initial application, Babcock insists he has kept the polish in place and proudly remains a text-free motorist.
According to Babcock, “This is an old-school approach to a new-world problem. It starts with me, and you don’t need much: You need a thumb. You need the desire. And you need nail polish.”
Since breaking his habit, Babcock has discovered an added bonus to his bright thumb. Strangers approach him almost every day asking about the shade of red. Once Babcock provides his explanation, he finds that others are willing to share in his fight to become a text-free driver. Has one man really created the first real solution to distracted driving?
Red Thumb Reminder’s Success
Babcock’s campaign is still in its initial stages so it’s difficult to say, as of yet, that his “bright” idea has truly solved the dangers of texting and driving. However, Red Thumb Reminder gains increased popularity every day. The campaign has been featured in several news outlets. The campaign also has its own website (www.redthumbreminder.com) and its own facebook page (www.facebook.com/redthumbreminder.) Further, Babcock actively promotes his campaign on Twitter and hopes to organize a national Paint-Your-Thumb day as part of Red Thumb Reminder.
The Phillips Law Firm is committed towards making our society a safer place. We have successfully battled insurance companies, hospitals, product manufacturers, Fortune 500 companies, and careless drivers to help ensure the safety of our community. Our successful and dedicated attorneys fight for the rights of injured people daily to help protect justice and security.
As a passionate team dedicated towards making our society, and its roadways, safer for all, the Phillips Law Firm applauds Mr. Babcock for his insight, ingenuity and his own dedication to safer and more responsible driving. Granted, Red Thumb Reminder might not deliver a panacea for distracted driving, but its growing popularity suggests it might be a smart and effective first step. Our congratulations to Steve Babcock.
