Lexus Modifies NX Specifically To Scare Drivers

PSA

Distracted driving has become a serious problem in a day and age when we are glued to our smartphones all day long. Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,142 lives in 2019 (the most recent available data) according to NHTSA. Texting is the most alarming distraction. So Lexus decided to create an eye-opening demonstration showing just how dangerous this trend really is, just in time for Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Photos: Lexus

4.6 Seconds

At 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds  - the average amount of time it takes to send a text message - is like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. Thus, Lexus decided to demonstrate exactly what happens when drivers can no longer see the road for 4.6 seconds in its new video dubbed "Driving Disrupted."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the NX's styling right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Routine Test Drive?

In the video, participants get behind the wheel of a Lexus NX on a closed course, thinking they're taking the vehicle for a routine test drive. What they don't know is that they're not driving an ordinary NX, but rather a one-of-a-kind specially modified vehicle called the NX 4.6. 

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the NX's styling right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Ensuing Chaos

It's equipped with electrochromic technology that turns the windshield and windows from transparent to opaque instantaneously, completely obscuring the driver's view for 4.6 seconds. The video captures the chaos that ensues.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the NX's styling right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Think Twice

Unsurprisingly, the result of this little test is a whole lot of styrofoam cyclists and pedestrians meeting their early demise. It's an eye-opening clip for sure, and one that's guaranteed to make us think twice about sending that next text message while driving down the road.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the NX's styling right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Changing Minds

And that's precisely what the participants in this little experiment say as well. Each notes that they won't be messing around with their phones while driving anymore, and the whole thing is a pretty powerful message. And if it causes just a few people to change their habits, it'll certainly be worth it.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the NX's styling right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Making a Point

And that's precisely the point behind the entire production, as Vinay Shahani, vice president of Lexus marketing notes. "Lexus wants to bring awareness to safety behind the wheel by changing perceptions about texting and driving," Shahani said. "Even the most advanced safety systems on the road today can’t replace the undivided attention of the driver."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the NX's styling right here in the Club Lexus forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects please visit our how-to section in the forum.