Two NWA Men Create Website to Bust Distracted Drivers
By: Marissa Stevens
Updated: February 21, 2012
A website created by a couple guys in Northwest Arkansas, is busting people driving distracted by posting their pictures online for all to see.
"Look at what's going on in Northwest Arkansas, this is in every city, this is in every state," said Brian Knoedl with Textface.com.
Knoedl and Ryan Wilson launched Textface.com in October of 2011, and since then, say it has been viewed in almost 100 countries. Knoedl also credits Wilson with coming up with the idea.
"We hope that people say hey, you know, I'm glad you got me, I'm glad someone saw me, I really need to put my phone down," said Knoedl.
They upload pictures and videos of people driving while distracted, reading books, surfing the internet, looking at directions, and the big one, texting.
"Everybody's against texting while driving until it comes to them texting...No one has balance when they text and drive, you're still distracted no matter what," said Knoedl.
Anyone can upload pictures and videos to the site, which Brian says, holds people accountable for their actions.
Even though police officers are there enforcing the law, once people see those red and blue lights they drop their phone. So Knoedl says this is a way to be discreet and catch folks texting while driving.
So it is no longer just police busting you, it could be the person driving right next to you, it is people policing each other.
Starting in March, they will be uploading three minute videos every other week showing people caught in the act, and showing Angela Hines interviewing them afterward.
"There are eyes everywhere, everywhere...I think it's super important that we let people know that it's a problem, and not only that it's a problem but people are watching," said Hines.
"Eventually, people are going to go, I've got to quit texting or I'm going to show up," said Knoedl.
Hines also says since social media and technology are booming, Textface.com is a great tool to spread the word about the dangers of distracted driving.
"We have to be relevant and if this is the most relevant, best way to get the information out, then we need to do it...Don't get busted."
Knoedl wants to let everyone know, his team records using stationary equipment so they do not have to operate any cameras while driving. He also says they are working on a Textface.com iPhone app, and they want to bring these videos into schools to keep spreading the word on the dangers of distracted drivers.
You can also check out the Textface.com Facebook page by clicking here.
Knoedl would also like to give credit to Imagine Film Company for helping with their video.
"Look at what's going on in Northwest Arkansas, this is in every city, this is in every state," said Brian Knoedl with Textface.com.
Knoedl and Ryan Wilson launched Textface.com in October of 2011, and since then, say it has been viewed in almost 100 countries. Knoedl also credits Wilson with coming up with the idea.
"We hope that people say hey, you know, I'm glad you got me, I'm glad someone saw me, I really need to put my phone down," said Knoedl.
They upload pictures and videos of people driving while distracted, reading books, surfing the internet, looking at directions, and the big one, texting.
"Everybody's against texting while driving until it comes to them texting...No one has balance when they text and drive, you're still distracted no matter what," said Knoedl.
Anyone can upload pictures and videos to the site, which Brian says, holds people accountable for their actions.
Even though police officers are there enforcing the law, once people see those red and blue lights they drop their phone. So Knoedl says this is a way to be discreet and catch folks texting while driving.
So it is no longer just police busting you, it could be the person driving right next to you, it is people policing each other.
Starting in March, they will be uploading three minute videos every other week showing people caught in the act, and showing Angela Hines interviewing them afterward.
"There are eyes everywhere, everywhere...I think it's super important that we let people know that it's a problem, and not only that it's a problem but people are watching," said Hines.
"Eventually, people are going to go, I've got to quit texting or I'm going to show up," said Knoedl.
Hines also says since social media and technology are booming, Textface.com is a great tool to spread the word about the dangers of distracted driving.
"We have to be relevant and if this is the most relevant, best way to get the information out, then we need to do it...Don't get busted."
Knoedl wants to let everyone know, his team records using stationary equipment so they do not have to operate any cameras while driving. He also says they are working on a Textface.com iPhone app, and they want to bring these videos into schools to keep spreading the word on the dangers of distracted drivers.
You can also check out the Textface.com Facebook page by clicking here.
Knoedl would also like to give credit to Imagine Film Company for helping with their video.
