It was Super Bowl XLIX, Seahawks versus Patriots, and sport fanatics and casual fans alike gathered for an event considered by many a symbol of American pride and culture. While many sat and enjoyed humorous commercials showing puppies and “Pac-Man”, one advertisement in particular managed to cause a stir in the Super Bowl watching community.

For those of you who did not catch the game, the commercial in reference is the Nationwide, accident prevention commercial.

The commercial presents a young boy talking about all the grown-up things he will not ever be able to do, a la Peter-Pan. After some clips, the young boy bluntly states he will not be able to do these things, because he died in an accident. Many considered this to be “uncalled for” and “a bit too harsh” to quote some reactions. But was it? The ad sadly speaks something all too common, and frightfully timely.

On the night of the super bowl, car related accidents increase in numbers by 41%, and this night is fundamentally more dangerous than New Year’s Eve.  On a night when car related accidents and death rates are high, a commercial like this gives a caution to not only passengers in cars, but also their drivers. This especially is relevant with the sheer amount alcohol consumption at Super Bowl parties. The commercial also gained its effectiveness based on its surroundings. Most individuals expected commercials ranging from cheesy to hysterical, but the ad had been sandwiched in a night overflowing with celebration and fun. It stems from shock factor, and successfully has incited not only conversation about the commercial, but also about the company, and more importantly accident prevention.

At its core, the commercial served a necessary job, with the intention of leaving a bad taste on one’s mouth. In all importance, only we as a populous can prevent horrible atrocities like those happen every day.

Source:

Wolf, Buck. “Just Try to Avoid the Super Bowl.” ABC News. ABC News Network, 27 Jan. 2015. Web. 04 Feb. 2015.