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This enjoyable – educational – entertaining show appeared in 90 shopping malls throughout the country from May 1988 through October 1991.
- The Muppet Traffic Safety Show has been a year and a half in the making, from concept to construction.
- More than 12,800 man-hours of labor went into the show’s construction.
- When fully erected, the show occupies 2,000 square feet and stands nine feet tall.
- Forty animated characters appear throughout the show.
- The individual characters are constructed of precise machine parts, unbreakable lexan body shells and official Muppet costume materials.
- The flats are constructed to resemble an actual movie lot, and much of the decoration is made of vacuum formed sculpture.
- The characters on each set are run by a mini-animator computer that gives air cylinders commands to extend or retract, producing lifelike motion.
- A single master computer orchestrates all of the individual set computers to coordinate the shows, in addition to controlling the ride itself.
- The cars have a unique sensing safety bumper that shuts down the ride if anything gets in the way of the cars.
- More than 60 gallons of paint were needed to paint the show.
- Nearly 200 feet of track run through the sets.
- A mile and a half of wire is strung throughout the show.
- Each of the four cars can carry six small children, accommodating up to 175 passengers in one hour.
- The show has been designed to be modular and transportable. Eight “Muppetized” movie sets break down into a total of 45 pieces for transit.
- Four crew members need eight hours to set up the show from start to finish.
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Jim Henson expressed his appreciation to Dorothy for all her assistance.
The show became a reality at the national invitational press conference in Detroit on May 20, 1988 at Eastland Mall.
Dorothy Chlad, Consultant, addressed an excited group of children, parents and officials.
She thanked – Chrysler Motors – sponsors of the show and everyone who was involved with this wonderful project.
During this fun-filled ride – around a miniature movie lot – with an accompanying song “Play It Safe” many favorite animatronic Muppet characters acted out six important traffic safety lessons. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo were supported by a lovable cast of characters.
The show concluded with a brief Muppet movie recounting each of the traffic safety lessons. The highlight of the event was the children actually got to see themselves as part of this “movie” thanks to a unique video relay system.
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Kermit and his frog scouts sang “Play It Safe” as they buckled up in a Plymouth Vovager.
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Miss Piggy explains the importance of traffic safety.
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Gonzo explains bus protocol to his friends while taping their learning session.
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Animal demonstrates the dangers of darting out into traffic while the children ride, buckled up, as they tour the show.
Special note: The idea of National Safety Town Center being a part of this show began with a Chrysler employee who was involved with a Safety Town program.
Special thanks to – Dr. LeRoy Dunn, NHTSA, and Lorrie Kapp, Visual Services, for all their support; and the supporting groups – National Child Passenger Safety Association – National Fraternal Order of Police – National Parent Teachers Association – National Safety Town Center – U.S.Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).