The Utah Department of Transportation wants you to “get your head out of your apps.”
UDOT launched a Message Monday campaign to get people talking about traffic safety. Humorous slogans such as “Texting + Driving Is Clever Said No One Ever” and “That Seatbelt Looks Good On You” are displayed throughout Mondays on electronic messaging boards on the state’s freeways, including Interstate 15 and Interstate 215.
The campaign launched during what UDOT representatives call the period of 100 deadliest days, the time between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Utah sees a 35 percent increase in traffic fatalities on the state’s roads compared to the rest of the year during the 100-day period, said UDOT spokesperson John Gleason. The campaign received so much positive feedback that the department decided to continue it.
“Our ultimate goal really is to create a behavior change, so it may seem like a light-hearted approach but make no mistake it’s a very serious issue and it’s one that we feel passionately about,” Gleason said.
UDOT creates the messages internally, throwing around ideas for potential phrases while meeting on other issues. They also draw inspiration from similar campaigns in other states.
Gleason said the department is planning to continue the campaign for the foreseeable future.
(Image courtesy of Utah Department of Transportation)
(Image courtesy of Utah Department of Transportation)
(Image courtesy of Utah Department of Transportation)
(Image courtesy of Utah Department of Transportation)
(Image courtesy of Utah Department of Transportation)
(Image courtesy of Utah Department of Transportation)
(Image courtesy of Utah Department of Transportation)
(Image courtesy of Utah Department of Transportation)
(Image courtesy of Utah Department of Transportation)
Head-out-of-your-apps
