Campaign Enlists Comedians to Curb Reckless Teen Driving
The Ad Council has some new material in its campaign aimed at teenage drivers. In these spots, a comedic actor (Fred Willard in the ad above) in the backseat of a car with three teens cajoles or threatens the driver into slowing down or minding the road. The gist of the campaign, corresponding with the title of its web site, is "speak up or else" -- a name perhaps more suited to hard-hitting PSAs from overseas.
By
Brad Aaron
2:02 PM EST on March 6, 2009
The Ad Council has some new material in its campaign aimed at teenage drivers. In these spots, a comedic actor (Fred Willard in the ad above) in the backseat of a car with three teens cajoles or threatens the driver into slowing down or minding the road. The gist of the campaign, corresponding with the title of its web site, is “speak up or else” — a name perhaps more suited to hard-hitting PSAs from overseas.
Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York's dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog New York City
EXCLUSIVE: Mamdani Creates ‘Curb Management’ Office at DOT, Seeking Order From Chaos
Better management of this vital public space is needed for broader public uses such as safe deliveries, outdoor dining and containerized garbage pick-up.
April 7, 2026
Cycle of Rage: Wrong-Way Driver Reveals Wrong-Way Approach To Street Safety
Another day, another driver with a long record of recklessness nearly killing a man yet not suffering any punishment at all.
April 7, 2026
Report: Safety Protections Have Not Kept Up With E-Commerce Boom, And Last Mile Is Making It Worse
A new report from the Teamsters concludes that the city has not kept up with the "last-mile delivery" boom from companies like Amazon.
April 7, 2026
Tuesday’s Headlines: Mamdani On Notice Edition
It's hard for a mayor to know about every single recklessly driving cop who threatens all the residents within driving distance of his precinct house. Plus other news.
April 7, 2026
March (Parking) Madness Finals: Who Will Roll The Rock?
Which Staten Island precinct has the worst parking? Find out in this year's March (Parking) Madness final.
April 6, 2026
Comments Are Temporarily Disabled
Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.
Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.