LAPD In Partnership with Clear Channel Outdoor Americas and GSTV Announce “Move to the Right” Campaign NR16379aj

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Central Bureau Commander Todd Chamberlain was joined by Los Angeles Fire Department Deputy Chief Phillip Fligiel, representatives from Clear Channel Outdoor Americas (CCOA) and GSTV to announce the Move to the Right campaign, which aims to alleviate traffic for first responders en route to emergency scenes.

Released just in time for the holiday season when more cars are on the road, the group also announced the roll out of a robust public awareness program for the campaign – including donated advertising space on numerous billboards throughout the city from CCOA and pump station screen time from GSTV. This multi-pronged approach is aimed at reminding drivers to move to the right side of the road when approached by police, fire and ambulatory vehicles.

“It is imperative that all drivers quickly and collectively clear the way when being approached by emergency vehicles. In life or death situations, every second counts,” said Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck. “This campaign reminds our residents that their actions make a direct difference in the safety of their fellow-residents. The effectiveness of the Move to the Right message depends heavily on the awareness of Los Angeles’ drivers and we are very grateful for the generous donation from our partners, Clear Channel Outdoor Americas and GSTV, to help us deliver the message.”

Commander Todd Chamberlain echoed Chief Beck’s message during the press conference, explaining how Los Angeles’ worsening traffic has negatively impacted the ability of emergency workers to most successfully do their jobs. For example, in a 2012 study by the Los Angeles Times, data revealed that LAFD’s average medical response time lagged far behind the national standard of 6 minutes, particularly in west Los Angeles neighborhoods. Traffic collisions with emergency vehicles has increased 20% since 2014.

LAFD Deputy Chief Phillip Fligiel also touched on the need for the “Move to the Right” campaign, explaining that, “Winding roads and steep gradients already pose a challenge to the driver of an ambulance, firetruck, or police car. Further delays caused by unyielding cars is an issue that can and must be improved upon.”

“Every Angeleno deserves the comfort of knowing our city’s first responders are able to efficiently reach them in any type of emergency situation,” said co-producer and co-director of the projects, Anne- Marie Johnson. “Every Angeleno can make a difference, we are all in this together.”

By publicly advertising the importance of clearing lanes for police, firefighters and medics, the LAPD and LAFD hope drivers will do their part in ensuring first responders are able to reach callers in the shortest time possible, especially during the impending holiday season.

“Public safety is strongest when everyone is actively engaged, and Clear Channel Outdoor Americas is proud to donate our assets to leveraging the power of our communities to better protect one another,” said Layne Lawson, Vice President of Public Affairs for Clear Channel Outdoor Americas Southern California Division.

CCOA frequently partners with public agencies and non-profits on efforts like Move to the Right to ensure its resources are used to benefit the public. Recently, CCOA partnered with the LAPD on two campaigns to help keep our communities safe; one to increase the use of LAPD’s anti-terrorism iWATCHLA app among Angelenos and the other focused on combatting distracted driving and hit-and-runs to keep L.A. roadways safe. CCOA’s digital billboards are also regularly used to relay critical public safety information during emergency circumstances; this includes AMBER alerts for child abductions, FBI Most Wanted notices, and messages from local police and fire departments. The unique ability of digital signs to reach a wide audience while displaying messages in real-time allows them to act as valuable resources for non-profit organizations, public safety agencies, law enforcement, and a variety of others who need to effectively relay messages to the public.