IMAGINE A DAY WITH ZERO TRAFFIC FATALITIES

JACKSON, MISS., Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008---The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will host three press conferences across the state on Friday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m., to kick-off the state’s participation in Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day®, according to MDOT Executive Director Larry L. “Butch” Brown.

Each year, statistics show more than 42,000 traffic fatalities occur on our nation’s roadways. “Can you imagine, a day with zero traffic fatalities,” Brown asked, “In order to make this idea a reality, we have to all work together toward the common goal of saving lives.”   

In support of Put The Brakes On Fatalities Day®, MDOT will hold three press conferences in Jackson at the MDOT Administration Building, located at 401 North West Street, Jackson, MS., at the Transploreum, located at Tupelo Middle School, 1009 Varsity Drive, Tupelo, MS and in McComb at the MDOT District 7 Office located at Highway 51 North, McComb, MS. There will be dynamic speakers to address the event at each location and personal experiences of individuals who were involved in traffic crashes. The media and public are invited to attend this event.

The goal of this event is to urge the citizens of Mississippi how important it is to focus on their individual behavior when utilizing the roadways -- not just as drivers but as pedestrians, bicycle and motorcycle operators, and passengers.

"We are asking everyone to help promote an awareness of the need for safe driving and encourage the public to take a greater stand in keeping themselves and their loved ones from becoming one of those tragic roadway statistics,” Brown said. “First and foremost, drive as if your life depends on it. Driving defensively, obeying the posted speed limits, slowing down in bad weather and in special construction and school zones and not drinking and driving are just a few examples of how drivers can reduce their chances of being in a crash. Other important safety practices include buckling up every time on every trip, using appropriate child safety seats, wearing a helmet when cycling or skating and crossing the street in crosswalks.”

For more information about the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day event, please contact Leslie Owens at (601) 359-7225. For more traffic safety tips and information about this event, log on to the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day® website at www.brakesonfatalites.org.