Safety is a number one priority on Louisiana’s TIMED Program. Not just for workers, but for our motorists driving through the work zones. Construction areas can intimidate drivers and nervous drivers can create hazards.
In April 2007, Louisiana’s TIMED Program launched “TIMED to Drive Safe,” a public awareness campaign promoting National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, April 2-6, 2007. The national effort is held each year to help encourage safe driving in construction areas. Louisiana’s TIMED Program wanted to carry that message to a specific audience: teen drivers.
Teen drivers have been found to have the highest collision rate of any demographic of driver, and traffic crashes are the number one killer of American teenagers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We have more than 45 public high schools along TIMED Program routes and most of them are accessed directly off of the TIMED routes. These routes are often under construction for extended periods of time and teens driving to and from school need to be aware of specific issues related to work zone safety.
I am very proud to say that 45 schools responded to our invitation to participate in the safety campaign and this resulted in more than 4,600 students receiving an educational brochure and promotional item. Teachers were also given facts and statistics to supplement curriculum and highlight driver safety, with a focus on work zone safety
One of our highlights from the campaign was our Public Service Announcement on work zone safety, featuring Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. The Governor taped a special message reminding motorists to pay special attention to construction areas.
Several kick-off events were also held at local high schools and we appreciate the support and involvement from students involved with SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) during the events. These teens helped spread the message of work zone safety and even went on-camera for local news interviews on the campaign. House of Representatives Speaker Joe Salter showed his support as well, joining students at Oberlin High School for a media event.
Our website, http://www.timedla.com/drivesafe is still up and running, so please visit and share the information with others. While the messaging and fun colors are aimed at grabbing the attention of teen drivers, we all can use a few reminders on good driving behavior.
And if you would like a free copy of the safety brochure to share with a teen driver, e-mail me at info@latimedmgrs.com and I will be more than happy to mail you one.
Thanks for your ten minutes, Dana
