Georgia Motor Trucking Association

MEDIA ADVISORY For more Information: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Guy Young September 29, 2005 770-444-9771 Email: [email protected] GEORGIA TRUCKING INDUSTRY STEPS UP ASSISTANCE TO GULF COAST HURRICANE VICTIMS Professional Drivers Offer Tips To Avoid Distracted Driving On The Long Haul

The Georgia Motor Trucking Association (GMTA) and the Governors’ Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) will recognize GMTA members who are helping in the ongoing relief efforts for hurricane victims along the Gulf Coast.

GMTA will also highlight its role in promoting highway safety and safe driving during the upcoming October 3-7 “Drive Safely Work Week”. Distracted driving is responsible for 20-to-30 percent of the nearly three million crashes on America’s highways each year. Professional drivers talk about ways to avoid driver distractions, whether it’s while making long hauls for coastal relief missions, or during your daily interstate commute to work.

What: Recognition of Georgia truckers’ hurricane relief efforts AND a safety message to avoid distracted driving during this response to natural disaster: “Be Ready, Be Set, Be Focused.”

When: News Conference: 10:00 am, Thursday, September 29, 2005

Where: Southern Freight, Inc., 99 University Avenue, SW, Atl, GA 30315 (take the I-75/85 Connector South to University Ave, just South of the I-20 Interchange. Turn left on University. SFI is on left.)

Why: Because every year traffic crashes are the leading cause of death and injury to America’s workforce, right here at home.

News Media Welcome/Photo Ops Available News media will have one-on-one interview access to local drivers about safety initiatives and for photos of rigs, including the “No Zone”- fully illustrated no-visibility-zone truck. Big-rig ride-Alongs on request. GMTA officials and the GOHS Network of Employers for Traffic Safety program will be available for comment. Georgia Motor Trucking Association 1800 Lake Park Drive-Ste. 123-Smyrna, GA 30080 Visit us on the web at www.gmta.org