Glee joins anti-text campaign

US safety authorities have turned to hit television comedy Glee as their latest weapon in the campaign to try and stamp out text-driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is using a scene from the show to try and slam home the message that it's dangerous to take your eyes off the road for the five seconds of the average brief text reply.

In the scene, Quinn Fabray (Dianna Agron) texts friends that she's on her way – and gets t-boned by a ute.

“Distracted driving is an epidemic on our roadways, and our youngest and most inexperienced drivers are often the most at risk,” US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said in a statement.

“Young people across the country watch ‘Glee,’ and we're thrilled to partner with the show to spread the word that texting and driving don't mix. “I thank the Ad Council, (Glee executive producer and co-creator ) Ryan Murphy, and the cast of ‘Glee’ for their continued efforts to raise awareness about this issue.”

Murphy added that the Glee involvement has in part been sparked by the cast's appearance on Oprah. “This was a story we wanted to tell because we know the influence our show can have in starting conversations and raising awareness,” Murphy said.

“We were inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s campaign encouraging everyone to sign a pledge not to text and drive, which we all signed when we did her show a few years ago, and we had been looking for an opportunity to tell the story of how a few seconds of carelessness could have a devastating impact on people’s lives.”