Visual Critique: Bike Helmet Law

Graphic:



Video: Motorcycle accident (no helmet) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFvuZ1eL2zc

Julie Drexler

November 24, 2008

Varner: ADV 1103-001 

Visual Critique:

Helmet safety is something that should be enforced nationally.  When teens and adults have the option of jumping on a motorcycle and speeding down a highway going over 100 mph they should have the instinct to strap on a helmet. In the state of Pennsylvania, adults have the option of wearing a helmet while riding on a motorcycle or bicycle.  In this image as well as the video I am trying to convey the message that this is important safety requirement and needs to be enforced as a law.
In the image, it is relatively simple “Don’t thump your melon”; a phrase used when referring to “Don’t hit your head”. I think by being a simple phrase people will be more likely to remember it and it will stand out in the minds of people who see it. Humans are automatically drawn first towards pictures, having only copy gives this image a chance to say what is important and capture the viewers sole attention on the purpose. The colors are fun and pop to the eye. While also standing out in color, it will attract adults as well as young children; in hopes that a child growing up with this exposure will be more likely to wear a helmet throughout life to adulthood. The green and purple contrasts sharply with the black print focusing the eye on the two words that mean the most. The size of the print is large enough for a passer-by to see the words and remember the phrase.
The video shows a accident between a motorcycle and a car and the motorcyclist is not wearing a helmet. This is an attempt to scare or shock the viewer. As a viewer you put yourself in the shoes of the rider and experience the intensity of a crash. Seeing someone get into an accident without a helmet has a great impact on the emotions of the viewer.
Visuals give substance to an argument. They are used to attract attention to a message conveyed to an audience . Using shock value captures attention and leaves us with striking visual memories.