New DOTD public service announcements ask drivers to 'Move It'
Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 12:00:00 AM
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) on Friday will launch a public service announcement (PSA) campaign focused on the "Move It" law. The "Move It" law (R.S. 32:141.D) directs drivers to move their wrecked vehicles out of travel lanes if no serious injuries have resulted from the crash.

The new radio, television and print PSAs are part of the "Wreck Less, Louisiana" highway safety campaign that will continue through September. The "Move It" PSAs will run throughout June.

The goal of the highway safety PSA campaign is to promote driver safety and awareness on Louisiana’s roadways to prevent the nearly 1,000 motor-vehicle fatalities that occur each year. The campaign is tackling six highway safety issues that are major contributors to crashes. DOTD officials believe the PSAs will help reduce crashes by influencing driver behavior. Each month of the campaign, which began in April, features a new highway safety issue with a separate PSA for print, radio and television.

DOTD chose to feature the "Move It" PSA in June because the month marks the start of hurricane season. Moving wrecked vehicles from travel lanes helps relieve traffic congestion on highways, which is critical during an emergency evacuation.

The monthly "Wreck Less, Louisiana" campaign topics are scheduled as follows: Work-Zone Safety (April), Pedestrian Safety (May), Move It Law (June), Speeding (July), Tailgating (August) and Driver Distraction (September).

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