AUCKLAND, Today: Young drivers are four times more likely to crash if they use their phones behind the wheel. So ACC, NZTA and NZ Police are teaming up to tackle that stat head-on.
They’re encouraging 16–24-year-olds to ghost their mates while driving — not out of rudeness, but out of care. The message? Stay silent to stay safe.
Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD) helped shape the campaign, revealing that many young people change behaviour when they realise how badly their injuries could affect others.
“When it comes to using your phone in your car, if you care about someone, you should put your phone on do not disturb and ghost them, instead of contacting them.” – Kim Pick
“When it comes to using your phone in your car, if you care about someone, you should put your phone on do not disturb and ghost them, instead of contacting them. That way you’ll have a better chance of getting to them safely. It’s ghosting as an act of love.” says VML ECD, Kim Pick.
The campaign unites government agencies with a shared goal: fewer crashes, safer roads, and lives saved.
Directed by Louis Sutherland (Honeymoon Films) and Steve Boniface (Loupe), it’s rolling out across TikTok, Insta, outdoor, and digital audio, with media by MBM.
CREDITS
Client: ACC, Waka Kotahi, NZ Police
Creative Agency: VML New Zealand
Production Companies: Honeymoon Films, Loupe
Directors: Louis Sutherland, Steve Boniface
Media Agency: MBM
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