I'm meeting other passionate folks who are frustrated by the conditions of our roads on social media. A quirky bunch are we, I must say. Just a handful of random people, different ages, sexes and from all over who are voicing our opinions hoping someone will hear us. Marshall Carroll is a Canadian whom I have virtually met via one of his impressive PSA's he's made. You can read the interview with Marshall below.
I ran across your PSA on Twitter. It's very nicely done. What was the driving force behind your passion for making our roads safer?
I am the safety officer for my high school. Every year, I give a presentation on proper labeling and storage of chemicals. One year, to make things more exciting, I created a video called The WHMIS Warble. It was a big hit and USA Today asked if I could make a U.S. version. I did. It was called The HAZCOM Song. A U.S. company that made anti-texting and driving technology saw that song and asked me to write one about distracted driving for them.
The Won’t Start Texting PSA is the commercial-free version of the song.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/VVyeBSmA6BA]
I see many people texting and driving in my city. It is very dangerous. Just recently, my car was rear-ended by someone who was texting (an elderly person, by the way – it’s not just teenagers who text and drive!).
I also see pedestrians texting while walking and crossing the street. They are oblivious to all around them. This is yet another dangerous habit.
How did you make your PSA's? Did you write, direct and edit?
My Won’t Start Texting PSA was written by me. My son, who is in the band Poorboy, played the guitar. My high school students drew the sketches on recipe cards. I scanned the cards in to the computer and used Moviemaker to put it all together. I used the same technique for my other music videos.
What's your day job?
I am a high school Chemistry and Physics teacher in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. In the summer, I teach a University Chemistry course. I have a Ph.D. in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry. In 2011, my Ph.D. supervisor was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
I am also a background actor, stand-up comedian and icebreaker workshop leader. In 2012, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) selected me as the 4th smartest Canadian in a national television program.
You can read all about me, see the videos and photos and more at my site http://www.marshcarroll.com
You mentioned the speed limit of freeways in Canada is 55, here it's 65 a lot of places though most go upwards to 80. Any thoughts on this. I guess what I'm angling for is how are the roads different in Canada vs. America, if you know.
Actually, the speed limits vary a bit. On most highways in Canada, the limit is 62 mph while others have a speed limit of 56 mph. The highways in Canada are not in as good condition as those in the U.S. nor are there as many lanes in Canada.
How do you spread the word to people to drive safely?
Along with the Werner Herzog documentary, there has been buzz about my Won’t Start Texting PSA. So, I guess that’s how I spread the word. I also stress safe driving to my students. I remind them that driving is a privilege, not a right.