Penn Pike promoting 'safety breaks' on long drives, undistracted driving

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is promoting safety breaks at its busiest service plazas - Allentown on the NE Extension and Sideling Hill on the mainline 10am to 1pm Friday June 11.

The Turnpike has safety officers propagandizing against 'distracted driving' and overlong journeys at the wheel. They'll be handing out materials and giving little talks to motorists about not using mobile phones while driving, and other safer driving practices.

A press release quotes the Turnpike's manager of customer safety, Joseph Rispoli: "This summer, we're urging drivers to use common sense and avoid unnecessary distractions - one of the most common of which is cell-phone use. Those who use hand-held devices while driving are four times as likely to get into serious crashes, injuring themselves or others. It's up to each and every driver to put down that phone and focus on the road."

The Turnpike is also collaborating with a number of garages along the Turnpike to offer free vehicle check-ups of tire pressure, fluids and lights. Motorists can get a ticket for the free checkups at the service plazas.

The service plaza events will also promote  the Turnpike's toll-free, realtime roadway and weather information service 1 866 976 TRIP (8747).  

Of course you'd never distract yourself dialing that on your cell phone while at the wheel.  Strictly call it before you set off, or have the spouse or kids call that while on the road - they'll remind you.

TOLLROADSnews 2010-09-10