Orange Safety Day promotes safe and fun summer

The Texas Department of Transportation will hold its 7th Annual Orange Means Safety event from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Friday, June 3, at the Texas Travel Information Center on along Interstate 10 in Orange. Guests and motorists will be treated to fun activities and educational opportunities for a safe and enjoyable summer. Photo by Tommy Mann Jr.

Safety education and fun activities are a big part of an annual event this Friday which targets travelers driving across Texas highways this summer.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is holding its 7th Annual Orange Means Safety event from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Friday, June 3, at the Texas Travel Information Center, which is located on Interstate 10 West at the Texas - Louisiana State line at Exit 880 in Orange. The event is designed to be fun and entertaining for guests, while also providing information on how to be safe this summer.

Typically referred to as Orange Safety Day, representatives with various agencies will be participating in the event to inform motorists on various events, activities and provide safety information. These agencies include TxDOT, along with the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce, the Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau, and various other groups.

June is National Safety Month and, according to TxDOT, thousands of people are traveling to and through Texas now and throughout the summer months and the state agency wants all motorists to arrive safely at their destinations.

“Safety is TxDOT's number one priority and this event officially kicks-off summertime,” said Sarah Dupre, TxDOT public information officer for the Beaumont district. “People are taking vacations now that summer has arrived and that means more traffic is on the roads across the state. We want to promote safety for everyone as they travel through Texas."

Motorists and guests will be able to meet the TxDOT Crash Dummies, the Port Arthur Alligator, Sparky the Fire Dog, refreshments and much more.

Past events have included live animal displays featuring reptiles, such as snakes, an alligator and toads, emergency vehicles such as a fire truck, a police cruiser and a United States Coast Guard boat, and even a re-enactment of a cowboy gunfight by the Big Thicket Outlaws.

Dupre said the event will be held rain or shine as the majority of events and activities are inside the Texas Travel Information Center.

According to TxDOT, more than 300,000 people visit the Texas Travel Information Center in Orange each year. The facility offers guests a variety of maps and travel literature for the local area and the state, along with professional travel counselors to provide information and answer questions.

The Texas Travel Information Center has a boardwalk with a scenic deck with provides guests with a view of the wetlands and cypress forest, as well as wireless internet access, picnic tables and 24-hour access to restrooms.