Tennessee has been working to reduce drunk driving accidents for years by utilizing educational campaigns. After the last program came under heavy public scrutiny, state officials have announced funding has been secured to launch a new anti-DUI initiative.
An article from The Tennessean explains the state awarded an $11.5 million contract to an Austin-based marketing firm to create the new campaign. Documents show plans to not only focus on preventing drunk driving, but also other hazards of the road, such as motorcycle safety and seatbelt usage.
Work on the new project has already begun, with the fresh contract launching on Dec. 9. The campaign will end in Dec. 2020.
The new campaign comes on the heels of heavy backlash aimed at the state’s previous anti-DUI campaign after many of the program’s messages were deemed sexist and inappropriate. Officials stated the campaign was to be aimed at a young, male demographic, but also cited poor oversight as the reason the messages were released.
At Ponce Law, we understand the important role education plays in preventing drunk driving. That’s why our Nashville car accident lawyers are hopeful the new campaign will be successful in getting motorists to think twice before getting behind the wheel after drinking.