Another one for the 'People are dumb' File

AFLAC Billboard Prompts 911 Call

Caller Believed Man On Sign Was Real
A billboard designed to be eye-catching for passing motorists accomplished that goal this week -- and then some.
An AFLAC insurance company billboard near Interstate 465 and Michigan Road prompted a 911 call Wednesday because the caller thought a person was hanging from the sign, RTV6's Jeremy Brilliant reported.
The billboard actually shows a mannequin falling off a ladder next to the words "Pays You Cash If You Get Hurt And Miss Work." RTV6 obtained a copy of the emergency call:

• Operator: Caller stated there was a worker working on a billboard at the 421 exit ... said he observed the gentleman fall off the ladder and appear as though he fell off a power line and was not moving.

Washington Township firefighters went to the billboard, but they saw no one. "I actually had my binoculars out looking at the side of the road, looking at these billboards and on the ground to see if I could see anybody," Washington Township Fire Department Capt. Dan Linderman said.

Emergency officials soon realized what the caller had actually seen. "We did put people -- not just the firefighters but also the citizens -- in danger, at risk, because we're driving red lights and sirens to a run," Linderman said. Indianapolis is one of five test markets where such AFLAC signs have been placed. Company officials said the falling worker was added for creative effect. The company plans to take down the billboards, but didn't say when it would happen. "AFLAC is very concerned that people are calling 911, and we understand that's a safety issue for other people," AFLAC spokeswoman Laura Kane said. "Obviously it was never our intent to create that kind of attention." Officials said their billboards will be toned down in the future.

http://www.theindychannel.com/news/2...04000110032003