NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Governor's Traffic Safety Committee

STATE HONORS 4 ORGANIZATIONS AS
"PARTNERS FOR SAFETY"

Excerpts from NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Press Release - April 9, 1997

Four organizations were honored today as New York State "Partners for Safety" at the second annual awards ceremony of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC). Special commendations for outstanding contributions to traffic safety were presented to Conrail, CVS Corporation, the New York State Automobile Association and Utica National Insurance Group by Motor Vehicle Commissioner and GTSC Chair Richard E. Jackson, Jr.

The 1995 highway fatality rate was the lowest in state history. (See the October 3, 1996 DMV Press Release on 1995 highway fatality statistics.) 1995 was also the eighth consecutive year in which the state set a new record low highway death rate. "Clearly, involvement by the private sector, the kind of involvement we are recognizing today, has played an important role in achieving these admirable safety records," Commissioner Jackson said. "Our Partners for Safety have helped make New York State a safer place to live.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

"We are pleased to recognize these companies for going an extra mile on behalf of highway safety," Commissioner Jackson said. "We also hope the "Partners for Safety" program will encourage other companies to actively join in the effort to prevent crashes, save lives and reduce injuries on our highways."

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