The roadways can be full of distractions, making it difficult for drivers to continue to safely navigate the roads. During the holiday season, it is especially difficult with the addition of Christmas lights coupled with an increase in heavy traffic. Residents of Arizona are finding it even more challenging to drive than usual this winter because of a new video display truck that has been seen cruising up and down the highway.
The video ad truck was spotted by a couple traveling the highways and they were so overwhelmed by the bright lights and distracting power of the vehicle that they decided to record it and post the clip on Reddit.
In the clip that was posted by Garren Rose, you can hear him and his girlfriend muttering about the danger of having the ad truck out on the road. The clip itself shows the box truck covered in bright, flashing lights that are practically making the rest of the road impossible too see.
Rose’s video gained popularity as more people viewed it and shared it with their friends, prompting him to be interviewed by ABC15. During the interview, this troubled driver compared his trip down the highway to be similar to driving behind a movie screen. In an instant, he had gone from traveling down the safety of the dark roads to being overwhelmed by the bright, flashing lights.
In a world where drivers are often warned not to watch videos, text, or even answer their phone for fear of accident-related distractions, the online world is at a loss to understand how this ad truck can consider themselves a safe operation.
Rose went on to explain that it was impossible to just ignore the ad truck since it grabs the attention of drivers. It seems that the overpowering display of lights combined with the complete shock of the production is enough to almost mesmerize drivers, making it hard for them to keep their eyes safely locked on the road in front of them.
When the video was shared with the Department of Public Safety, they responded that it is illegal for CMV’s to have any flashing lights aside from turn signals; however, most billboard trucks are so small that they are required to only comply with the same laws as cars. After watching the video of the ad truck, they say that the driver would be cited by the police if caught on the roadways.
While this is all good and well if the driver does get caught, it does very little to relieve the concerns of frightened Arizona drivers who just want to get to their destinations with as few distractions as possible.
The truck was owned by Boom Video Trucks, located in Arizona, and when their owner, Brian Morris, saw the video, he stepped forward to try to explain the situation as nothing more than a mistake. According to Morris, a simple glitch in the system made the truck’s display malfunction, causing the lights to be significantly brighter than they should have been at night.
Morris took two of his ad trucks to ABC15 and showed them off, trying to explain that their systems are set to dim the lights according to the time of day. During the daylight hours, the trucks operate at complete brightness, while the brightness goes down to 48% at evening, and 4% at the darkest hours of night.
Despite Morris’ explanation, it remains true that his ad truck malfunction could certainly have caused serious car wrecks due to distracted drivers. If such a case, Morris and his entire operation might be held liable if an accident were to occur.
While driving always comes with its risks, situations like this are enough to remind drivers to travel the roadways defensively and always be on the lookout for situations that could cause them to suddenly become distracted. During the holiday season, it’s especially important to remain especially vigilant and observant.
If you have to be in Arizona on the roads traveling, be on the lookout for the brightly colored ad truck!
