Eagles' Troy Vincent,
Lettiere record highway safety PSA's
(Trenton) - Philadelphia Eagles football star Troy Vincent and state Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere will drive home the message of highway safety in new public service announcements that will begin airing next month on radio stations across New Jersey.
Vincent, who was born and raised in Trenton, and Lettiere recorded the 30-second announcements two days ago as part of Safety First, Governor James E. McGreevey’s Highway Safety Plan. The announcements, which urge motorists to obey the speed limit, to keep a safe distance behind other cars, and to stay alert, will air from April through June.
Lettiere unveiled the 12-point Safety First program earlier this month, which seeks to reduce highway accidents through a combination of road improvements, stricter enforcement and stepped up public education. The plan was developed by a task force that included the DOT, State Police, the AAA Auto Clubs of New Jersey, the New Jersey Motor Truck Association and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
“Over 700 New Jersey motorists lost their lives in highway accidents last year,” said Lettiere. “We cannot sit by and let these horrific trends continue. Highway safety is everyone’s concern and it’s something every family in this state deals with on a daily basis. We are gratified that Troy Vincent has volunteered to lend his support to this important campaign.”
The PSA’s are part of the public education component of Safety First. In addition, the DOT will revise New Jersey’s written drivers test to include eight questions regarding safe interaction between cars and trucks. The New Jersey Driver Manual will be redesigned to include more information on safety and car-truck interaction. And, the Department of Education will issue policy guidance to local school districts informing driver’s education teachers on how to instruct safe interaction between cars and trucks.
The program also includes $20 million in highway safety improvements and proposed fine increases for speeding and other violations on designated sections of state highways, and for weight violations by out-of-state trucks.
| 
