PATROL MATTERSState Farm Safety Patrol Newsletter

Heard on tHe Street | PoconoS native PatrolS for Safety | WatcH out for tHat tire! taking a look at debriS removal | 2010: looking back

Issue No. 10

WHAT’S INSIDE

Danger, You’re entering a ConstruCtion Zone

In 2008, 720 motorists and workers were killed in construction zones. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also reports that 40,000 people are

injured each year as a result of work zone crashes, and that the vast majority of them are drivers and occupants.What’s the best rule of thumb to keep safe in a work zone? Give the road your

undivided attention.To make construction zones safer for everyone, the NHTSA also suggests that you:

· Maintain the posted speed limit. If safety alone is not enough of a motivating factor, consider that many states have doubled the fines for speeding in construction zones.

· Obey road crew flaggers. The flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you could be cited for failing to obey their directions.

· Concentrate on the road and not on the construction. Construction zones are full of unusual activity. Don’t get distracted.

· Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and do not tailgate. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash in a construction zone.

· Allow extra time to arrive at your destination.

· In short, stay calm and focused. Put away your phone, don’t even think about texting, and give the road your undivided attention.

For more tips, check out: workzonesafety.org.This article was provided by State Farm®.

roaD Debris Causes aCCiDents, Death

Debris from a construction project can make driving through a work zone even more dangerous. Road debris causes at least 25,000 wrecks annually, averaging about 68 accidents per day, and more than 80 deaths per year.The most

common forms of debris are tire treads, garbage dropped by waste haulers, auto parts, and construction materials. While road debris accounts for less than one percent of all traffic accidents, it is a growing problem which is largely preventable. The Federal Highway Administration

recommends safeguarding yourself and others by following these simple steps:

1. Secure all loads, and check load status from time to time. 2. If driving behind a vehicle with

an unstable load, drop back or move into another lane. 3. Always be aware of what options

you have should debris fall onto the road. In some cases, it may be safer to drive over small debris than to swerve around it.

This article was provided by State Farm®.

PATROL MATTERS

Robert Mertz, is the State Farm Safety Patrol driver responsible

for patrolling his native area of the Poconos region of Pennsylvania, where he uses his knowledge of the road and of the area to better assist motorists and improve roadway safety. He knows that the mountainous area is a tourist “hot spot” attracting more transient motorists and truckers than most areas, especially during the winter and summer months. He finds the biggest danger for motorists traveling during these times is the speed at which they travel. “We get a good deal of snow up here, and so many people are in a hurry to get to their destination that they drive at 75-80 mph, when the safe bet would be to travel at 45-50 mph.”Beyond his knowledge of the region

and motorist trends , Robert values cleanliness, organization and procedures when patrolling the Pennsylvania Turnpike. He starts every patrol shift by inspecting his vehicle. “I consult with the driver who operated the truck before me and make sure everything is all set. I open up the back and check the compartment area, make sure the interior is clean, and then I check the logbook to make sure nothing happened to the vehicle since I last operated it.” Robert takes pride in the first responder vehicle and makes the effort to clean it two to three times a week. The additional wax once a month ensures the vehicle remains in pristine condition. Robert also keeps the vehicle stocked

with useful things for motorists. “I carry stuff like GOJO and hand sanitizer. Occasionally we will see somebody that’s changing their own flat. Not only do I stop and establish a safe zone for them, but I give them stuff like this so they can clean their hands after they’ve finished.” Robert also keeps bungee cords and straps handy to help motorists who might need to tie something down.Often motorists do not realize their

cargo is not secure, until it is too late and their belongings end up as roadway debris. Debris removal, which helps to

reduce roadway incidents and traffic congestion, is a priority of State Farm Safety Patrol drivers. Robert says, “Vehicles can end up with severe damage to tires, oil pans or fuel tanks, due to debris impact. We often find that people swerving to avoid debris can result in accidents.” Some of the most common things that Robert clears from the roadway are parts of tires, truck brake parts and deer. Debris removal is a challenging task for

patrol drivers, especially on parts of the roadway where motorists’ line of sight is limited. In order to remain visible to traffic, Robert suggests that drivers turn on all vehicle lights, wear designated lime green safety vests or jackets, and wait for a break in traffic before safely removing the debris from the roadway. Robert explains, “We [remove debris] in a safe manner and we never cross the turnpike median. If I’m going southbound and I notice debris on the northbound side of the turnpike, I never go over the barrier to retrieve it.” Robert adds, “In situations where there is debris on a bridge, State Police are called to assist us. Their help in alerting and slowing down traffic is crucial.” Robert and other State Farm Safety

Patrol drivers work with the State Police and other first responders regularly. He has a background as a firefighter and EMT and is trained for incident command. “When an incident on the roadway is phoned in, I’m out the door almost immediately. Once on a scene, I can evaluate the situation and inform State Police, firefighters and ambulance squads of what assistance will be needed. I relay information to them, such as if traffic conditions, whether or not there are hazardous materials present, details about any injured motorists and whether a Medevac might be needed. For example, he might report: “We have a 58-year-old man here, history of cardiac issues, taking this medication, etc…” This information can save time, a valuable asset in situations where every second matters.

Robert emphasizes the importance of the State Farm Safety Patrol not only when assisting other first responders at incident scenes, but also their ability to assist stranded motorists. “Out here you see a lot of people who have nothing and truly rely on our help. They have no AAA, no money, no credit cards—they’re stuck. It’s important for me to get those people to a safe environment.” The motorists assisted by Robert

appreciate his commitment to safety and dedication to finding a safer environment for them to resolve their car malfunction. A recent comment card thanked Robert for not only his initial assistance, but for his coming back to check on the stranded motorists again and ensure their safety. “He called my daughter, gave her directions from Dingham’s Ferry and took us to the McDonald’s to wait for her. He even checked on us while we were waiting.” Comments like these and driver like Robert help to make the State Farm Safety Patrol a successful program along the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

2 |

PoConos native Patrols for safetY

We Want to Hear from you! PleaSe Send feedback to commentS@travelerSmarketing.com

State Farm Safety Patrol Driver, Robert Mertz, demonstrates his commitment to keeping his patrol vehicle clean and organized to improve service to stranded motorists.

Issue No. 10

It was a cold January afternoon and Frank was heading back from New Jersey with his wife and four-year-old daughter. They had just passed through the toll plaza and were only a few miles onto the Pennsylvania Turnpike when their vehicle hit some roadway debris. Frank says, “We still aren’t sure what we hit, but after impact our vehicle was completely disabled.”

The family was traveling in the right lane of the turnpike behind a semi tractor trailer. Before they were able to react, a large metal piece of debris came into sight and their vehicle had no choice but to run it over. The collision with the debris caused a good deal of undercarriage damage—

about $6,000. “It destroyed the sub frame, exhaust frame, oil pan, muffler, and catalytic converter,” Frank notes.

Immediately following the incident, they pulled off to the shoulder. “After the hit we had oil and smoke flying everywhere. We thought we were going to have a fire.” Frank adds, “What was really amazing was how fast the State Farm Safety Patrol driver responded to the 911 call. Within four or five minutes the patrol driver arrived first on the scene. He was extremely nice, helpful and reassuring. Even though we were waiting for the State Police to come he ended up taking my wife and daughter to the nearest restroom facility. Even more impressive, he actually

escorted our family home since we didn’t have a vehicle.”

This was the first time that Frank and his family ever experienced an issue while traveling the turnpike. Frank says he feels “reassured knowing that the State Farm Safety Patrol is there to respond to Turnpike incidents.”

One final comment from Frank’s four-year-old daughter, “Thank you for saving us!”

| 3

hearD on the street

We Want to Hear from you! PleaSe Send feedback to commentS@travelerSmarketing.com

WatCh out for that tire!Taking A Look at Debris Removal

Debris removal is essential to roadway safety and quick clearance

of debris from the roadway helps to reduce the potential for incidents. The State Farm Safety Patrol is responsible for debris removal on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and with every item they remove, whether it be a retread tire, a fallen bumper or a mattress!, they help to ensure the safety of motorists.Removing debris from the travel lanes

requires attention and the appropriate precautions. The Federal Highway Administration addresses these precautions, along with a multitude of other State Farm Safety Patrol relevant topics, in their Field Operations Guide for Safety/Service Patrols. The guide was produced for use by Safety/Service Patrol operators and supervisors with the intentions of augmenting the existing training given to Safety Service Patrol drivers and is encouraged to be used as an in-vehicle reference book. In terms of debris removal, the Guide

acknowledges that while there is no single safe way to remove debris from the travel lanes, considering traffic volumes and

time of day are important factors when determining how to remove debris. The Guide offers these suggestions for

removing debris from the roadway:

• Notify dispatch of any object/debris you encounter. Provide the exact location, which lane(s) are affected, general description, and whether you can remove the debris unassisted or if backup will be required

• Keep personal safety a top priority—pull well off the roadway, use appropriate lighting, & wear proper safety apparel.

• Park upstream from the debris.

• Turn in any valuable items you find to your supervisor.

• Remove debris completely from

the roadway system if possible. If it cannot be removed place it well off the travel lanes and shoulder to be picked up at a later time. Notify dispatch for follow-up.

• Point at the debris to help drivers avoid striking it if you are waiting on the shoulder for the traffic to clear.

• Never try to clear debris in an unsafe location by yourself.

• Never try to clear large debris by yourself.

• Never try to clear hazardous materials by yourself.

For more information on debris removal and other training topics, or to download your copy, visit http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop10014.

PATROL MATTERS

The State Farm Safety Patrol had another great year on the Pennsylvania

Turnpike, assisting motorists and improving traffic management. Annual assists increased by 12.45% from 39,163 assists in 2009 to 44,041 in 2010. The majority of State Farm Safety Patrol activity involved responding to disabled vehicles calls (54%), removing debris from the Turnpike (17%) and assisting at accident scenes (13%).

Along with the increase in assists, the State Farm Safety Patrol received a total of 515 comment cards in 2010. The 32% increase from last year’s total of 390 returned comment cards shows the positive impact that patrol drivers are having on the public and the public’s desire to share their thanks. In addition, this growth not only demonstrates the patrol drivers’ increased distribution of the brochures and comment cards to assisted motorists, but also, the excellent work and assistance provided by the patrol drivers that makes motorists want to write in and thank them.

Motorists rave about the State Farm Safety Patrol drivers thanking them for coming to their rescue, praising their attitudes and professionalism and expressing their gratitude to the Pennsylvania Turnpike and State Farm for providing this excellent program. Most of all, motorists appreciate the drivers’ willingness to stay with them and provide a safer environment to them. The little ways that drivers go out of their way to ensure this safety, such as providing a warmer and more secure place to wait for further assistance during the cold winter months, offering stranded motorists a ride to a safer location and setting up traffic cones and turning on lights to make other motorists aware of the stranded motorist’s presence on the side of the road, makes motorists even more grateful for the State Farm Safety Patrol.

In 2010 the State Farm Safety Patrol also continued to be noticed off the road by participating in local

community events. The patrol showed their commitment to safe driving at the “Lights on for Life” DUI Awareness event, a “Touch a Truck” event and the “Sea to Shining Sea” event. In addition, one State Farm agent requested the use of a patrol vehicle at an Agent Safety Fair. The willingness of drivers to travel for these events and promote the State Farm Safety Patrol is greatly appreciated and helps to enhance motorists’ recognition of the patrol and the great work they do on a daily basis.

Congratulations to all of the drivers for

completing another successful year as part of the State Farm Safety Patrol! We look forward to seeing another inspiring year in 2011!

Top 3 Most Returned Cards by ShedSomerset with 69 Cards Returned

Bowmansville with 63 Cards ReturnedEverett with 53 Cards Returned

Top 3 Most Retuned Card by DriverJoe, Somerset with 45 Cards

Mark, Jefferson Hills with 39 CardsRobert, New Cumberland with 36 Cards

We Want to Hear from you! PleaSe Send feedback to commentS@travelerSmarketing.com4 |

2010: looking baCk at another suCCessful Year

touring the turnPike

2010 Total Assists: 44,041

2010 Total Comment Cards Returned: 515