Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Distracted Driving

High-Stakes Testing: A Lesson in Texting While Driving

Here's a cool, funny, and genuinely effective public service announcement out of Belgium. According to Gizmodo, non-profit Responsible Young Drivers essentially pranked a bunch of people taking their drivers license exam. To pass, they were told, they'd have to show they could adequately send text messages while keeping control of the car.

The results, all caught on camera, strike an impressive balance. You'll laugh at the skids, swerves and shrieks of the panicked test takers even while realizing that the flying cones could, outside the context of a YouTube clip, be someone's child.

The power of the clip comes in part from how easy it is to identify with the drivers, who quickly understand that performing both tasks well is nearly impossible. “Honestly, I feel like an idiot who can’t drive,” says one, while another realizes: “People will die.”

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

HungryPanda Pressured Delivery Workers in Dangerous Blizzard, Workers Say

A delivery worker with HungryPanda recounted a harrowing experience of working during last month's historic blizzard.

March 6, 2026

Make Biking Great Again: Conservatives Should Embrace The Right Wing Values Of Cycling

Cycling remains aligned in the national mind with progressive causes — but conservatives can find plenty to love about bikes.

March 6, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: NYPD Placard Chaos Edition

It was been a rough day for New York's Finest. Plus more news.

March 6, 2026

Hit-And-Run Driver Kills 4-Year-Old On Dangerous Brooklyn Corridor

The driver didn't stop while a child lost his life.

March 5, 2026

Mamdani Deputy Mayor On Charging For Street Parking: ‘It’s Not a No’

Dean Fuleihan said on Thursday that the city is discussing charging fees for currently free on-street parking.

March 5, 2026

‘Stupendous Potential’: Pay-Per-Mile Auto Insurance Would Cut Costs And Traffic Violence

Lowering car insurance costs doesn't have to eviscerate crash victims's rights.

March 5, 2026
See all posts