A hard-hitting film by Gwent Police warning of the dangers of texting on a mobile while driving has had more than a million views on YouTube.
The four minute film, called Cow, tells the story of fictional 17-year-old, Cassie Cowan, who causes a devastating car smash by texting on her mobile while at the wheel.
Because of her lack of concentration on the road she kills her two friends travelling with her and the couple travelling in another car.
The four-minute viral film is a trailer for the full-length 30 minute production due to hit BBC Wales screens in October.
Gwent’s Chief Constable, Mick Giannasi, said he was astonished and encouraged by the way news of the film has spread via the internet.
He said: “We’ve had callers from Canada ringing our Force Control Room to tell us how moved they’ve been by viewing the clip.
“Another young driver from Cornwall e-mailed me personally to say he was deeply moved by the film and that it should be shown as part of the theory test for young drivers.
“I’ve told him that’s exactly the response we aimed for when we worked with Fire and Rescue, the Ambulance Service and the South East Wales helicopter to facilitate the highly realistic crash scene.
“I want as many young people, and indeed families, as possible to view the entire film, which details the consequences of such a tragedy on communities like ours.”
Gwent Police are now working on a school’s education pack so that teenagers over 14 should get the chance to view the film and learn about the dangers of using mobile phones while driving.
The film was directed by Peter Watkins-Hughes and made with the help of Blaenau Gwent Education, Gwent Police Shrievalty Trust, the Film School at the University of Wales and Legal and General.