Los Angeles city and police officials recently announced a public outreach campaign aimed at cutting down on hit-and-run crashes and preventing distracted driving. The public service announcements — in English, Spanish and Korean — are themed “Obey the Rules of the Road” and will appear on digital billboards throughout the city, with space donated by Clear Channel Outdoor.
“Community policing involves committed relationships with partners such as Clear Channel, in order to accomplish the goal of reducing traffic collisions,” Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck said. “Often, these tragedies on our roadways end in heartbreak and life-altering consequences.”
The billboards feature photos of actors Anne-Marie Johnson (“In the Heat of the Night”), Esai Morales (“The Brink”) and Reno Wilson (“Mike & Molly”), along with messages such as “In an accident, just stay. You might save a life,” followed by the theme, “Obey the Rules of the Road.” They also include images such as paramedics attending to a crash victim, and a motorist looking at a cell phone while driving.
City Councilman Mitchell Englander said the city is in the midst of an “epidemic,” with more than 20,000 hit-and-run crimes in the city each year. “By taking messages about traffic safety direct to residents, we can broadcast important safety messages and important information which could be critical to solving these crimes,” Englander said.