Safety or Slaughter?

Year Published: 1965

Creator: Industrial Accident Prevention Associations of Ontario

Description: This driver's education film, "Safety or Slaughter?" (1965), is about the importance of driver behavior in preventing accidents. The narrator, Gordon Anderson of the Industrial Accident Prevention Associations of Ontario, points out that road accidents are a major cause of fatalities. The core problem lies with the driver, whose decision-making can be compromised by fatigue, alcohol, poor vision, and especially, "bad manners." Statistics and tragic real-life examples show that 81% of accidents are caused by driver errors, and 97% of accidents involve cars in good condition. The film advocates for a proactive approach to safety, urging drivers to follow simple rules of the road. It also suggests solutions like stiffer physical and mental tests for drivers, compulsory vehicle inspections, and use of safety belts. The biggest factor is a lack of courtesy. The film asks drivers to choose "safety or slaughter" by remembering their human limitations and treating other drivers with respect and good manners. (Note: this film was produced by F.R. "Budge" Crawley, known as the "king of gore" for his traffic films.) 0:00 Main titles. Gordon Anderson, general manager of the Industrial Accident Prevention Associations of Ontario, introduces the film by stating that road accidents account for one-third of all fatal industrial accidents, more than any other type. 1:57 Anderson praises modern automobiles for being safer and more reliable than ever, with better engineering and roads. He then introduces the main problem: the "human factor," which he describes as the driver's brain and body. 2:34 Various human conditions that lead to bad driving, including fatigue, poor vision, alcohol, irritation, and "plain bad manners." 3:04 97% of accidents involve cars in good condition , and 83% happen in clear, sunny weather 3:32 The driver and their errors are responsible for 81% of all accidents . 3:40 Statistics are provided, showing the high number of people killed and injured in road accidents in Ontario and the United States. 4:07 Images of real accidents and crash victims, emphasizing that these are not just statistics but real people experiencing tragedy. 4:50 Constant need for drivers to make quick decisions, stating that faster travel requires faster decision-making, which increases the likelihood of making a wrong choice. The film notes that nine Canadians die in traffic every day. 5:40 A story of an "experienced driver" making one wrong decision—cutting in too soon—is used to illustrate how overconfidence can lead to a family tragedy. 6:36 Most accidents are caused by at least two factors. It lists several key contributors: 6:46 Speed is a factor in 38% of fatal accidents Slow driving , which can irritate other drivers and cause them to act impulsively. 7:20 Passing on curves, which is described as one of the most "stupid and dangerous gambles." 7:58 Following simple driving rules until they become second nature. It demonstrates the proper way to pass a vehicle and to park safely. 8:57 Meaning of highway lane markings, such as solid and dotted lines, and advises drivers to rely on these markings rather than their own judgment of distance. 9:48 Be extra careful at level crossings . 10:06 Legislative measures to improve road safety, such as stiffer physical and mental tests for drivers , compulsory vehicle inspection, and the mandatory use of safety belts . 10:45 Anderson concludes by identifying "plain bad manners" as the single biggest factor in accidents. He suggests applying the "golden rule" of treating others with courtesy on the road, just as one would in other social situations. 12:11 Giving a car to a bad-mannered teenager is like giving them a "loaded gun." 12:20 Final reminder for drivers, posing the ultimate question: "Safety or Slaughter?"

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg1357Lrq8s

Metadata Source:YouTube