Unconventional Conn. billboard prompts 911 calls

[February 04, 2010]  BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) -- A unconventional Connecticut billboard with a life-sized mannequin and teddy bear on top is prompting emergency calls from alarmed motorists.

The drivers are concerned the figures are real and about to fall off the billboard, which stands above Interstate 95 in Bridgeport. Dispatchers at State Police Troop G barracks have been telling callers the man isn't real and the figures have been up there a while.

The billboard is an advertisement for BMW of Bridgeport's overnight test drive offer. The mannequin, who is wearing pajamas, was lifted to the top of the billboard with the teddy bear about two months ago.

The dealership's general sales manager, Tim Coughlin, said there's been very little negative feedback about the billboard, and they've gotten a lot of overnight test drives because of it.

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Information from: Connecticut Post, http://www.connpost.com/

[Associated Press]

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