Press

The Florida Department of Transportation launched a new safety campaign aimed at reducing deaths and crashes on Interstate 75 (I-75).

The “GUARD YOUR LIFE - DRIVE ALERT ON I-75” safety campaign is designed to reduce head on crashes.  FDOT will close the gaps in guardrails along the medians in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando counties.  The goal is to make I-75 a safer corridor for everyone by promoting awareness about driving at high interstate speeds.

FDOT has teamed up with the Florida Trucking Association and its 30,000 members to get the word out to “Guard Your Life - Drive Alert on I-75.”

I-75 is a vital transportation link that carries millions and millions of dollars worth of goods and merchandise each day.  A crash can tie up interstate traffic for hours causing economic havoc.

A kick off news conference was held on Friday, June 13, 2008, which coincided with the Florida Trucking Association’s Annual Florida Truck Driving Championships, commonly referred to as the Rodeo.

A total of 260 professional truck drivers climbed behind the wheel of their rigs and showcased their road skills by competing on a supervised course.  These truck drivers represented 30 Florida companies that are current members of the Florida Trucking Association.  Awards and prizes were given to the top drivers. The top drivers will represent Florida in the National Truck Driving Championship in August, in Houston.

The FDOT uses a “3-E approach” when it comes to safety campaigns.  The three “E’s” include:  engineering, education, and enforcement.

The “engineering” component of this campaign will be the addition of guardrails on I-75 from north of SR 50 to the Hernando/Sumter County Line in Hernando County and from CR 577 to the Pasco/Hernando County Line in Pasco County.  These construction projects will add almost 7 miles of guardrail on I-75.  The goal for these guardrail projects is to reduce the injuries and deaths that occur with head-on crashes.

The “education” portion of this safety campaign includes Public Service Announcements, which are already airing on radio and television stations.  Bumper stickers are also being distributed throughout the Bay Area.  And billboards are now up with the campaign slogan along I-75 in the three counties.

Another key factor in the safety campaign is the special 18-member road team from the Florida Trucking Association.  These teams will be going into the high schools in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando counties to help promote the “Guard Your Life - Drive Alert on 75” safety campaign.  These are volunteer professional truck drivers who will educate Drivers-Ed students about the importance of safety.  Driving on the interstate is a lot different than your average city street.  At speeds of 70 miles per hour, “Driving Alert” is crucial.  Even the slightest distraction can cause a serious crash.  The truckers will also discuss the blind zone and the importance of being aware and alert.

Finally, the third “E” is “enforcement.”  A safety campaign cannot be successful without the strong presence of law enforcement to help remind motorists of the laws.  The FDOT is working with the Florida Highway Patrol and Motor Carrier Compliance Office for increased enforcement along I-75.   

CONTACTS

SAMPLE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sample 1

When you travel 70 miles an hour on 75…..the slightest distraction can cause a serious crash and even death.  That’s why it’s so important to be ALERT when you drive at high speeds. 

The Florida Department of Transportation wants your drive to be a safe one. 

“GUARD YOUR LIFE, DRIVE ALERT ON 75”

Sample 2

The Florida Department of Transportation is making our drive on I-75 safer by closing the gaps in guardrails on I-75.  The GOAL….to reduce crashes and deaths. 

So, Guard Your Life, Drive Alert on 75.

Sample 3

How important is your family.  Important enough to guard them with your life.

When you drive on 75…..drive alert.

The Florida Department of Transportation reminds you to Guard Your Life, Drive Alert on 75.

Sample 4

(wedding bells)

If you plan to walk your daughter down the wedding isle some day.  You’d better Guard Your Life, and Drive Alert on 75.

Sample 5

(truck horn blast)

Truck drivers are used to driving at high speeds on I-75.  Are you? One little slip at 70 miles an hour can cause a serious crash. 

So, GUARD YOUR LIFE, AND DRIVE ALERT ON 75

Sample 6

(construction sound of guard rails going up)

That sound could save your life.   It’s the sound of guard rails going up on I-75.

GUARD YOUR LIFE, DRIVE ALERT ON 75.

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Last updated June 27, 2008
Copyright 2008 Florida Department of Transportation & HDR Multimedia Studio