GnR track in savage road safety ad

An acoustic cover of Guns n'Roses classic Sweet Child O'Mine has been used to contrast brutal images of 28 schoolchildren dying in a traffic accident.

The advert was created by Northern Ireland’s government to hammer home the message that, since 2000, nearly 30 children have been killed by speeding motorists in the country.

The visuals are so stark that it’s not allowed to be broadcast before 9pm – and the counterpoint provided by Sweet Child makes the effect even more powerful.

Road Safety minister Mark Durkan is unrepentant, saying: “The aim is to dispel, through this emotional and uncomfortable message, the false perception that many road users have as to the horrifying consequences of speeding.”

A voice-over at the end of the ad states: “Since 2000, speeding has killed a classroom of our children. Shame on you.”

Road safety ad

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.