Custom Dodge Charger R/T Aims to Raise Awareness for Move Over Laws
This custom Dodge Charger R/T pays tribute to the many first responders and tow truck operators that have died in roadside accidents.
While we come across many custom builds on a daily basis, every once in a while, we find one that exists for a very special purpose. This could be as a tribute to a family member that passed away, or perhaps a vehicle that’s been customized so that it pays homage to veterans we’ve lost along the way. However, this 2021 Dodge Charger R/T owned by Pete Lanciano exists for a rather unique yet equally important reason – to pay tribute to those that have lost their lives in a roadside traffic accident, and to raise awareness for Move Over laws designed to prevent that from happening.
Sadly, Lanciano is quite familiar with this subject, as he’s a tow truck operator himself that has attended more than one funeral for other drivers that have been killed while working in roadside accidents, and he’s had a few close calls himself, as he recently explained to Dodge Garage. After doing a little research, Lanciano discovered that this isn’t just some isolated problem – rather, someone – whether that be a tow truck operator, DOT worker, or first responder – is killed in a roadside accident in the U.S. every six days on average, shockingly.
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This is precisely why Move Over laws exist, but it’s also why Lanciano decided to use his Dodge Charger R/T to help raise awareness for that sort of legislation, which exists in all 50 states, and yet, roadside workers continue to perish as people simply refuse to change lanes or at least slow down when they pass those folks on the side of the road. Since then, this Charger has undergone several visual changes, starting with a pair of yellow stripes bearing the names of 30 people that lost their lives in roadside accidents.
Lanciano further customized his ride with a set of Hellcat-style wheels, a Scat Pack front grille bearing yellow accents, yellow brake calipers, fender badging, BC Racing coilovers, a cold-air intake, an aftermarket exhaust, and a carbon fiber rear diffuser. However, things have evolved heavily since then, and this Dodge Charger is now fitted with a custom wrap from one end to the other, a treatment that gives it a completely different look depending on which side you view it from.
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The driver’s side features a black background with a giant American flag up front sporting a yellow stripe designed to pay homage to those who have perished in roadside accidents, coupled with tow chains and some gray mixed in for good measure. The passenger side is completely different, however, as it’s finished in yellow with the names of a number of roadside accident victims, accompanied by their occupation. Now, this very special Dodge Charger makes the rounds on the show circuit, and has even been used in a video promoting New Hampshire’s Move Over laws – cementing the fact that this particular car is far more than just another build.
Photos: Pete Lanciano