ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 17, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: New Business TO: Multimodal Transportation and Safety Committee
FROM: Gary Hallen, Assistant City Manager
DATE: June 12, 2025
SUBJECT: Update of the City’s public messaging addressing distracted driving
[Document Description]
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Committee receive and file the report
BACKGROUND:
The City Manager’s Office, in collaboration with our Communications and Marketing Division and Bakersfield Police Department, has launched a comprehensive campaign with a strong focus on reducing distracted driving. In partnership with local auto dealerships, schoo l districts, and other community advocates, the city has developed and is continuing to release a series of targeted public messages emphasizing the importance of staying off your phone and remaining alert behind the wheel. The campaign includes a variety of media and outreach components, such as:
Public Service Announcements - Television & Radio
Visual Awareness – Social media campaign
School and Community Outreach - Parent meetings & Assemblies The first wave of media outreach has already been released, w ith additional materials scheduled to roll out ahead of the new school year. These efforts are designed to remind parents, guardians and all drivers the critical importance of putting down the phone and focusing on the road, because doing so saves lives.
An upcoming presentation will highlight what has been accomplished to date and preview the next phases of the campaign.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Safety and Resilience
ATTACHMENTS: