10 Terrifying British Public Information Films

I don't watch TV as often as I used to, so I can't tell you if Public Information Films are still be played, if they're maybe they're just in cinemas or maybe that's stopped too? Either way, I remember way back in the day that there used to be a different PIF (Public Information Film) every other week, maybe even every other day.

If you're unaware what a PIF is, it's the UK equivalent of the USA's PSA (Public Service Announcement). They're a series of government-commissioned short films that were (maybe still are) shown during advert/commercial breaks. And I have to tell you, some of these were absolutely terrifying, and I guess that's the point. 

So, within, I have selected ten of these films (in no particular order) which I think perfectly did their job in terrifying their audience into paying attention to the message displayed, as well as leaving many youngsters, me included, with vivid nightmares since.

So the first one is pretty grim, in more ways than one. It features children playing near a dangerous bank of water, of the grim reaper is just waiting to capture their innocent souls. And if that's not enough, freakin' Donald Pleasence (Halloween "Dr. Samuel Loomis) voices the reaper. Lesson learned I guess, don't ignore "danger" signs.

Next we have one that is still extremely vivid in my mind. Poor little Jimmy is playing frisbee with his friend and soon gets too close to the power lines and receives a deadly shock as he combusts into flames! Truly terrifying. 

Edward Judd (Island of Terror)  serves up this next film which shows the dangers of not paying attention to the road, and motorcyclists. This is a truly powerful film, and that impact just sends shivers down my spine.

This one plays out like a slasher film, or more like Christine to be more accurate. We see a black car, which seems to be stalking this kid. It waits, it stalks, it strikes! 

This one is all about anticipation. You know it's coming, but you don't know how it will be, but then, whack! The glass emerges and we can only imagine the pure pain. Terrifying.

And this one is a grisly piece. It's directed by John Krish (Unearthly Stranger) and it's just masterfully put together. Terrifying, relevant and one that you will long remember after watching. 

This one, I'm not sure it's as relevant as it once was. But it is just powerful. Having glimpses shown of the aftermath of a rabid animal attack is just chilling. 

Pick up your trash! Granted, glass bottles aren't used as often as they were. But there is still a large amount of those who leave empty beer glasses around after a night out, and this one sheds a spotlight one the consequences of not cleaning up after yourself. 

This one has remnants of A Nightmare On Elm Street, but they've made it much more emotional, depressing and just a standout film. It's harrowing. 

And lastly, our most recent one. I think this one came out at around 2006 or there abouts. This one was only shown in cinemas as I can remember, but this one is absolutely brutal. It highlights the dangers of guns. It's truly shocking. 

Do you remember any that terrified you?