The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) started the Partners for Safety Awards program in 1996 to recognize voluntary contributions made by corporations, companies and organizations outside of government in the effort to prevent highway accidents and injuries, promote traffic safety, and make New York State a safer place to live.

2002

Heineken USA, together Westchester-based Heineken USA established "Operation Teen Proof. Heineken and its local distributor, Lobo Distributors, provided funding for the Distract Attorney's Officer to distribute more than 2,300 Security Laminate Verifiers and brochures to all licensed liquor establishments in Westchester County to assist in identifying fake and "chalked" driver's licenses.

Hudson United Bank, in November 2002, Hudson United Bank co-sponsored a forum entitled, "Underage Drinking:  A Community Challenge," held at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY.  More than 250 representatives from community organizations, schools, law enforcement , religious groups and parents turned out to launch a local advisory coalition and develop strategies to reduce drinking and driving by teens.

Federal Express, during the "Walk Your Child to School Program," Federal Express employees volunteer to fill in for needed crossing guards, who were sick or otherwise unable to come to work in Clinton County.  They also provided coffee to the guards on cold days and presented them with new safety equipment.

State Farm Insurance Companies, has in recent years become one of the Stat's premier highway safety sponsors and an active promoter of highway safety largely as a result of the initiative of Public Affairs Specialist Michelle D. Hare.  Ms. Hare was determined to make a difference after hearing about a study at the University of Buffalo, which indicated seat belt use was significantly lower among African Americans than other ethnic groups.  Ms. Hare organized State Farm Safety Days in minority communities in Buffalo and Rochester to improve understanding of and access to occupant and child passenger safety information.  She ensure the events were highly published and well attended.  Through partnerships with the New York State Police and the Buffalo Urban League, she organized a youth training seminar concerning occupant safety at a community center in Buffalo's minority-rich East Side.  These events have built important bridges between law enforcement and these minority communities.  Additionally, in 2002, Ms. Hare also participated in the Traffic Safety Summit on Protecting Minority Communities.

2001

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Capital Region Safe Kids was introduced to Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield as the result of a unfortunate last-minute cancellation of a Child Passenger Safety check site. Safe Kids called upon Empire for the use of their site at Corporate Woods to conduct the safety check. Empire agreed to assist with the program on a couple of day's notice and the event was successfully held. Safe Kids having seen the large number of employees of this organization, approached Empire about holding a closed check. This was conducted to study the information retention of persons attending this type of event. Empire agreed and a check was held for their employees. Several weeks later, the same employees were asked to return and reinstall their child safety seats unassisted. This study yielded an overall success rating of 93%. It also aided in proving the long-term value of our Child Safety Seat Program.

Triple A Tri-County Motor Club, President Mike Butler has offered his time and staff to provide various boat, snowmobile and motor vehicle traffic safety courses. Mike provided space in the AAA building for the first four-day CPS course in the Oneonta area and Mike and his office manager became CPS technicians. They now maintain one of four Otsego County Child Passenger Fitting Stations. They also participate in the child safety seat events, working with our Safe Kids Coalition and the Otsego County Sheriffs Department. Triple A has been instrumental in Otsego Count Sheriff s Department purchase of the Child Passenger Safety trailer. Triple A provided matched funds for a grant awarded to the Otsego County Traffic Safety program by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.

The Pactiv Corporation, the Pactiv Corporation of Glens Falls is a manufacturer of pool noodles. This company donated its leftover and imperfect pool noodles for the child passenger safety program in the Capital Region. For local programs that use pool noodles for child safety seat check events and fitting stations, Pactiv's generosity has saved them considerable expense.

EI Aguila Publication, this publication has been consistent over the years in publicizing safe driving and motoring information pertinent to the Hispanic motorists and constituents in Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley. Its stated goal is to position the Hispanic community as a partner and resource, and they are moving forward with that objective. The safety information they've reported has addressed issues relating to vehicle occupants safety, child passenger restraints, vehicle aggressive driving and pedestrian awareness and safety.

Eagle Broadcasting, has provided free advertising for the last year on four Tompkins County radio stations. There has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the messages by the Tompkins County residents. These messages have encouraged county residents to call on a daily basis in regard to proper car seat installation. Tompkins' County car safety seat program has been a success, in large part, because of the publicity provided by Eagle Broadcasting.

Veridian Engineering, for six years Veridian Engineering has demonstrated a 30MPH side impact collision with full-bodied cars occupied with 160 lb., unbelted dummies dressed in prom attire. Veridian Engineering performs the side impact collision twice a day. This extraordinary visual leaves a strong image, in the students mind, as to how dangerous auto crashes can be.

A few years into Veridian Engineering's participation, one of their engineers was instrumental in designing and implementing a helmet safety demonstration. He and other fellow engineers designed, tested and wrote a computer program to visually show high school students the importance of wearing a helmet. This year, Veridian was able to bring a visual demonstration of how an airbag works and why it is important to wear a seat belt when in front of an airbag.

Veridian Engineering has been an instrumental asset to the success of the Niagara Regional Traffic Safety Program.

2000

The Public Safety Group of the Albany Service Lane of CSX Transportation, nominated for voluntary assistance to the New York State "Operation Lifesaver" program, which promotes safety at highway-rail grade crossings and warns of the dangers of trespassing on railroad property. This CSX Public Safety Group, headed by Ed Sheehy in Buffalo, was nominated by Seth Corwin, State Coordinator for New York State Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Corwin praised the ongoing efforts of CSX to increase public awareness of traffic safety. During 1999, CSX personnel conducted 817 safety presentations in schools and service clubs, involving more than 26,000 students and adults. Similar presentations at various fairs, train shows and other safety gatherings helped spread the Operation Lifesaver "Look, Listen and Live" safety message to more than 265,000 people.

WNYT-TV (Channel 13), an Albany, NY television station, nominated by Capital Region SAFE KIDS Coalition Co-Chair Ann Burton for its outstanding assistance in promoting traffic safety awareness. In addition to on-going news coverage of child passenger safety seat issues, WNYT has served for the past year as media sponsor for SAFE KIDS car seat safety checks, conducting live on-site broadcasts and providing numerous free public service announcements. Channel 13 also arranged to have free pagers available for parents awaiting child seat checks.

Oswego Hospital, in Oswego, NY, nominated by Oswego County Traffic Safety Board Chairperson Diane Oldenburg for its extensive efforts to provide child safety seat technicians and checkpoints. Over the past year, Oswego Hospital embarked on a program to encourage staff training as Certified Child Safety Seat Technicians and partnered with the County Health Department and Traffic Safety Board to donate child safety seats, sponsor child seat checkpoints and establish a permanent fitting station at the hospital. Chairperson Oldenburg noted that Oswego Hospital’s participation has helped position Oswego County in the forefront of child passenger safety initiatives in Central New York.

Sears of Colonie Center, nominated by Peg Warren, Traffic Safety Education Program Director, Albany County Department of Public Works, and Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor William Van Alstyne, for its exemplary support of traffic safety issues in Albany County. Sears hosted a series of "safety days" last summer, featuring a variety of activities ranging from pedestrian and school bus safety programs to a bicycle rodeo and helmet distribution event. Sears also hosted a series of child safety seat programs; provided classroom facilities for two child passenger safety training programs; a display area for demonstrating and televising proper child safety seat use, and helped Albany County donate child seats to parents who could not afford them. The nomination noted that Dennis Litwak and Laurie Sajan of Sears of Colonie Center deserve special recognition for their efforts in helping to prevent traffic deaths and injuries.

United Parcel Service, nominated by Onondaga County STOP-DWI Program Administrator Elizabeth Morgan for its collaborative effort with the Safety Council of Central New York to develop a traffic safety partnership. Aimed at increasing the safety awareness of UPS drivers, employees and their families, this four-year-old partnership uses a grassroots approach toward building a larger network. Employees train co-workers and help sponsor traffic safety awareness programs that deal not only with work-related issues but also with the use of personal vehicles.

1999

The Delaware and Hudson Railway Police Department, a Division of Canadian Pacific Railroad, for voluntarily assisting the State’s "Operation Lifesaver" program which promotes safety at highway-rail grade crossings and warns of the dangers of trespassing on railroad property. This police unit was nominated by New York State Operation Lifesaver Coordinator Seth Corwin for designing and distributing 200,000 illustrated calendars suitable for school notebooks, and providing staffing and equipment for Operation Lifesaver events, including "Officer-on-the-Train" enforcement and education efforts.

General Electric Plastics in Selkirk, nominated by Albany County Executive Michael G. Breslin, for sponsoring a variety of traffic safety education events. He noted that the facility’s safety program chair, Eddie Walker, has coordinated his company’s involvement in bicycle safety roadeos, child safety seat projects, and traffic safety shows at local shopping centers.

State Farm Insurance, nominated by Ann Burton, executive director of Sunnyview Hospital Injury Prevention Services in Schenectady. She noted that State Farm has supported various safety education programs and the Albany County Traffic Safety Awareness Committee, including providing staffing and equipment for bicycle roadeos, child safety seat projects, children’s ID cards, "Safe Kids Week," and the "Safe Summer" program.

WGRZ-TV News, Buffalo, nominated by the Erie County Office of Traffic Safety for an award-winning "Child Seat Inspection Program." For the past three years, WGRZ-TV and Special Projects Director Mark Buckley have provided free child safety seat inspections for proper use and installation, working in cooperation with the New York State Police, Erie County Sheriffs Department, Erie County Office of Traffic Safety, Rural Metro Ambulance, People Inc., and Buffalo-area Tops Friendly Markets. The program was honored by the National Safety Council in 1998 with its first annual "Excellence in Public Service Award for Highway Safety."

1998

The Air Force's 107th Air Refueling and 914th Air Lift Wings, based in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, for sponsoring week-long traffic safety fairs for the past two years at the Niagara Falls Air Base. The fairs attracted 2,500 high school seniors from all 12 school districts in Niagara County. Special events included 30 mph crash demonstrations, the New York State Police Rollover Simulator and Convincer, the Chrysler Corporation Neon Drunk Driving Simulator, breathalyzer demonstrations, and simulated vehicle fires. The success of this program has earned Niagara County a "safe community" designation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Washington, D.C., for helping New York State promote public awareness of the dangers of drowsy driving. A cooperative effort with the National Sleep Foundation, AAA affiliate clubs in New York State, and the GTSC enabled the AAA Foundation to develop audio cassettes about drowsy driving that became a major educational component to New York's "Drive Alert, Arrive Alive" public awareness campaign. The Foundation produced the cassette and donated 10,000 copies of it for distribution throughout New York State.

Blythedale Children's Hospital, Valhalla, Westchester County, which has been instrumental in coordinating traffic safety and injury prevention programs in Westchester County for the past seven years. The hospital's numerous activities have included development of the Westchester Coalition for Injury Prevention and Control, soliciting child safety seats and aiding in their distribution through membership on the Westchester County Traffic Safety Board, developing a Traffic Safety Puppet Show for school children, and promoting bicycle safety by donating helmets and providing free conference facilities.

The New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT), Albany, Albany County, an organization of more than 600 professionals responsible for the administration and supervision of pupil transportation services. Since its inception in 1974, NYAPT has served New York State government as a technical resource for information on bus transportation and safety issues. NYAPT's ongoing educational efforts, including participation in the "Operation Safe Stop" school bus safety program, have helped promote safety and enhance professional development.

Nationwide Insurance, Columbus, Ohio, for its Prom Promise program, in which students encourage each other to sign pledges not to use alcohol or drugs, especially on prom night. This special safety effort is offered free of charge to high schools in 22 states, including 47 schools in the Capital Region. The student committees that coordinate the program are assisted by faculty advisors and local Nationwide Insurance agents. Nationwide provides all of the materials needed to implement an in-school campaign free of charge.

1997

Conrail was honored for active participation in "Operation Lifesaver", a cooperative international program to promote highway-rail crossing safety and emphasize the dangers of trespass on railroad property. In addition to providing special trains and financial support, Conrail and its employees donated refurbished equipment and constructed hands-on displays for educating the public about rail crossing safety.

CVS Corporation provides funding for motorist assistance vans operated in three New York State regions by Samaritania, Inc. The award commended the Samaritan vans' emergency responses and motorist assistance on interstate highways within the Capital District. Samaritan employees are well known for their assistance at crash scenes, providing medical and mechanical aid and traffic control.

The New York State Automobile Association was honored for their donation and assistance to the statewide "Break for Safety" campaign against drowsy driving. The association also provided the "Wake Up!" audio cassettes from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety as a promotional giveaway, along with printed material and public awareness items.

Utica National Insurance Group was recognized for donations and assistance to a variety of school bus safety projects, including "Operation Safe Stop". The company also has provided rollover simulators and a TV public service message on school bus safety for the Division of State Police, sponsored driver safety skill "roadeos" for school bus policyholders, and held two bicycle safety fairs for community children.

1996

Allstate Insurance Company was recognized for their involvement in launching New York State's New Driver Identification Program.  The program provides a sign with a large "N" (for new, novice, or nuevo in English, French, and Spanish) to be displayed in the vehicle's rear window when a novice driver is at the wheel.  The sign alerts other drivers to be patient because the operator is a new driver who should be given extra consideration.  Allstate contributed $10,000 toward the initial production of "N" signs in 1994.  They also helped to distribute signs and brochures describing the program through their offices in New York State.

Amtrak was honored for their active participation in "Operation Lifesaver," a cooperative international program involving railroads, state and local law enforcement agencies and volunteers.  Through education and enforcement, Operation Lifesaver seeks to prevent crashes at railroad crossing grades, and to increase public awareness of the dangers of trespassing on or near railroad tracks and right of ways.  Amtrak employees have greatly enhanced the program in New York State by completely renovating and refurbishing a large mobile display vehicle which features interactive, educational exhibits, including a locomotive simulator.  The mobile display is used at schools, fairs and other events throughout the state.

Midas Muffler and Brake Shops  was recognized for their "Project Safe Baby" program, under which some 1,800 Midas shops nationwide provide approved child safety seats to customers at the wholesale cost of $42.  If the customer then returns the seat when the child no longer needs it, Midas provides $42 worth of services to the customer.  Since the program began in May of 1993, Midas has distributed nearly 100,000 child safety seats nationwide.