Citilink in Fort Wayne, IN, has partnered with Parkview Hospital to introduce a Citilink bus wrapped in a message promoting the hospital’s “Don’t Text & Drive” program. The wrapped bus will remain in service for a year.

The partnership is one component of an effort to increase awareness about the dangers of texting while driving, which became illegal in Indiana on July 1. Parkview launched the “Don’t Text & Drive” initiative with billboards and broadcast public service announcements in February 2009, targeting both teens and adult drivers.

“This is a great partnership that will assist us in our efforts to educate the community about the dangers of texting while driving,” said Lori Hunt, trauma prevention coordinator, Parkview Trauma Centers. “We want residents to be as safe as possible and recognize the risks associated with texting and driving.”

“Citilink is pleased to offer area businesses the opportunity to provide rolling billboards on the exterior of our buses. This is not only an opportunity to inform the community but also helps to support the public transit system that provides approximately two million trips per year to your customers and employees,” said Betsy Kachmar, assistant general manager, Citilink.