PA Turnpike Partners with Neighbor Agencies to Promote Safe Driving
PA Turnpike Partners with Neighbor Agencies to Promote Safe Driving
MIDDLETOWN, PA (NOV. 27, 2019) The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) is teaming up with the Indiana Toll Road and the Ohio Turnpike to promote safe driving habits. The three agencies are jointly launching a new campaign focused on addressing the challenges associated with distracted driving. The “What Message Are You Sending?” video campaign showcases the impacts a driver’s poor decisions can have on those around them.
While distracted driving can take many forms, the most common example typically involves a motorist attempting to use their cell phone while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates over 3000 people were killed by distracted driving in the United States in 2017. The challenging winter weather driving conditions in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania further exacerbate the risks associated with distracted driving for traveling motorists.
“Working together on messages that bring attention to good driver behavior is beneficial to both our employees and customers and shows our unified commitment to safer roadways," said PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey. “We are collaborating to spread the word about the importance of staying focused while driving – especially at a time of year when more families are traveling together.”
“I’m pleased to be working with our partner agencies in Ohio and Pennsylvania and believe that our unified efforts will provide a consistent message along the I-80/90 corridor and will raise awareness to a much broader audience,” said CEO of ITR Concession Company, the operator of the Indiana Toll Road, Nic Barr. “By working together we are committed to ongoing education of our customers, regardless of where they’re driving.”
“Safety is our top priority and with our partner agencies in Indiana and Pennsylvania we will promote safe driving behaviors across the broader turnpike corridor,” said Executive Director of the Ohio Turnpike, Ferzan M. Ahmed, P.E. “As seen in the video, adults who stay focused on the driving task set a great example for family members.”
With millions of customers traveling across these facilities each year, combined with a social media reach of over 30,000 followers, the campaign is expected to have a large impact across all three roads.
This commitment to safety will continue in 2020. The agencies plan to continue developing awareness campaigns to combat distracted driving, and new videos in the “What Message Are You Sending?” campaign are already in development.
The PTC operates and maintains 552 miles of toll roads in the commonwealth. It oversees 68 fare-collection facilities, 27 maintenance facilities and 17 service plazas. With roughly 1,900 employees, the PTC generated $1.33 billion in annual toll revenue from 214.6 million vehicles in fiscal year 2019. Known as “America’s First Superhighway,” the Pennsylvania Turnpike opened Oct. 1, 1940. To learn more, visit www.paturnpike.com.
CONTACT:
Carl DeFebo, 717-831-7176