December 19, 2002
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
(207) 626-8400

- MEDIA ADVISORY -

Holiday Highway Safety Awareness Event Scheduled for
Friday, December 20, 2002 at 10:00 a.m.
Highway Safety Advocates To Kickoff Annual Holiday Reminder Program

Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky and representatives from various highway safety organizations will be launching the sixth annual Holiday Highway Safety Awareness Event at a news conference at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2002 at Exit 14 A* (West Gardiner) of the Maine Turnpike. The Holiday Highway Safety Awareness Event involves the distribution of information cards at all tollbooths on the Maine Turnpike reminding travelers of the dangers of drinking and driving, as well as encouraging travelers to take a break from the road when feeling drowsy or tired.

"Maine has suffered a high number of fatalities on its roadways this year," said Secretary Gwadosky. "This is an opportunity to remind those who will be traveling over the holidays to drive with care. We hope this event encourages safe and responsible driving throughout the new year."

The participating in this project:

Approximately 50,000 cards encouraging highway safety will be distributed to motorists at tollbooths across the length of the Maine Turnpike during the holiday season. Similar highway safety messages will also be displayed on the variable message boards located throughout the turnpike system, courtesy of the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA).

The MTA and HMSHost will also be providing an additional benefit to motorists who redeem the reminder cards at rest areas along the turnpike. Information on this benefit will be available on the date of the event and there will be an opportunity for interviews.

*Exit 14A is the toll plaza located on the main part of the turnpike (leading to Lewiston), not the exit from the route 95 connector.