EDTL 6360 * Web Page Evaluation

Patricia VanBarg

AdCouncil.org vs Distraction.gov

Topic of website research- Texting &

Driving

AdCouncil.org

The ending URL .org denotes a nonprofit organization that wants to influence people.

Topic- Texting & Driving

Who created the page? The Ad Council is a private organization that marshals volunteer talent from advertising and communication industry, media, resources of business and nonprofit communities to deliver messages to American Public. They promote and deliver public service messages to American Public.

AdCouncil.org

Authority- 100 voting members, 28 chairs and 15 former honorary members names and credentials are listed.

Accuracy- This site has verifiable facts, a list of case studies, Real stories, research and Best Practices.

Currency- Founded during World War II, in 1941, The Advertising Council and created a campaign to sell War Bonds. They have been around for 60 years and are America's leading producer of public service communications. There are updated press releases and Current events listed on this site.

AdCouncil.org

Objectivity- The websites sponsored are questionable because the may be private corporations with hidden agendas. The following companies have “donated” Funds by of $150.000 plus each year.

AOL The Coca-Cola Company Google Inc. Hewlett-Packard Company Johnson & Johnson PepsiCo, Inc. The Procter & Gamble Company Time Warner Inc. World Wrestling Entertainment Yahoo! Inc.,

Distraction.gov

The ending URL .gov denotes a federal, state or government agency.

Topic- Texting & Driving

Who created the page? This page was create by the US Government in responses to a growing danger of deaths and accidents due to Texting & Driving

Distraction.gov

Authority- This site is sponsored by the US government and US Secretary of transportation, Ray LaHood.

Accuracy- This site has verifiable facts that contain current press releases, up coming events, current informational videos, state laws, testimonials from all over the US and a press kit.

Currency- The site came in to existence out of necessity in 10/ 9 and has consistently stayed current press releases added on up to 4/12

Distraction.gov Objectivity- The site is an up to date collection of relevant information since the obvious need to address the dangerous of texting and driving since 2009. They have some legitimate partners such as:

The U.S. Department of Transportation is partnered with a number of groups and organizations to spread the word about the dangers of texting and cell phone use while driving.

Ad CouncilAmerican Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA)Better Business BureauConsumers UnionThe Driving School Association of the Americas (DSAA)Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS)The National Safety CouncilNetwork of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS)

SUMMARY of comparison of

the AdCouncil.org vs Distraction.gov

The adcouncil.org website may be bias. There are many private corporate dollars being spent to influence American opinions. I believe in this case, the adcouncil.org does represent the topic message of not texting and driving legitimately with some references and current events. Their research is somewhat weak. However, the idea of private donations sends a caution flag 

I think the distrion.org website is the best website for my students to gather information from because it is authored by a legitimate government agency who’s priority is public safety. Distraction.org also has solid legitimate organizations as its partners. The facts listed are verifiable with lists of good and reputable sources. There is a great deal of dated research that is up to date and well represented. There are educational kits for teachers and students.

EDTL 6360 * Web Page

Evaluation

Citationsad council. (2012, May 9). Retrieved from http://ez.adcouncil.org/

. "Distraction.Gov: The official Government website on Distracted Driving." Distraction.gov. United States Department of Transportation, 2012. Web. 9 May 2012. <http://www.distraction.gov/index.html>.