Broward Regional Emergency Medical Services Council Sending Strong Message
  
"Take 5 to stay alive. Don't text and drive."
  

Take 5 campaign logo with large 5 and black road

DATE: May 2, 2012
MEDIA CONTACT: Joel Gordon, Battalion Chief,
Plantation Fire Department
PHONE: 954-414-7366
EMAIL: jgordon@psd.plantation.org

The statistics are startling. Texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash. It’s time to take action now. The Broward Regional Emergency Medical Services Council is reaching out with a strong public education campaign “Take 5 to stay alive. Don’t text and drive.” It’s simple to do and can save lives. Take a break from driving and pull off the road to use your cell phone.

The public is invited to attend:

“Take 5 to stay alive. Don’t text and drive.” Campaign Kickoff

Friday, May 11, 2012 – 9:00 a.m.

Field adjacent to the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Bass Pro Shop

Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach


Event highlights include remarks from Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca and Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti. Commissioner LaMarca, on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, will officially proclaim May as “Take 5 to stay alive. Don’t text and drive.” Month in Broward County.

Meet campaign spokesperson Gabby Chaves, an 18 year old Western High School honor student and Formula race car driver. Chaves has earned a place in the 2012 FIA Institute (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) Young Driver Excellence Academy. As part of this prestigious driver development program Chaves will play an important role promoting road safety and responsible driving throughout the Americas.

“No text message is so important that it’s worth risking your life, or the lives of others. Take 5 to stay alive. Don’t text and drive.” said Chaves. “Come out to the event and hear the statistics. Learn how you can help save lives.”

According to Ralph Marrinson, Chair, Broward Emergency Medical Services Council, the idea for the campaign was presented to the Council by the Broward Chapter Emergency Nurses Association whose members see the tragic results of texting and driving firsthand. The campaign brings together all levels of government and public agencies across Broward County to send out a unified message with the goal to save lives and stop texting and driving. For more information, visit broward.org/take5.
 
 
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Released by the Office of Public Communications
E-mail: publicinfo@broward.org
954-357-6990 * Fax: 954-357-6936