Florida Highway Patrol, Verizon Wireless Launch Statewide Wireless Safety Campaign; Effort Targets Wireless Phone Use While Driving

Asset Caption: Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Charlotte Thompson unveils a billboard featuring her image as part of a new statewide program from the FHP and Verizon Wireless to promote safer use of wireless phones by drivers. In addition to the broad multi-media informational campaign, Verizon Wireless has donated $100,000 worth of hands-free headsets to be distributed free at FHP safety events across Florida.

Asset Caption: Florida Highway Patrol and Verizon Wireless safety campaign logo

Asset Caption: Press release
Asset Description: Word document

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    TALLAHASSE, Fla.--May 17, 2002--The Florida Highway Patrol today launched a statewide safety campaign with Verizon Wireless to promote safer use of wireless phones while driving.
    The campaign will feature numerous educational and informational components - plus the free distribution of $100,000 worth of hands-free headsets -- to address the issue that has attracted much attention from municipalities, state lawmakers and the public across Florida this past year.
    Components include billboards along major Florida roadways, public service announcements, special FHP safety events, and various posters and informational materials displayed in all of Verizon Wireless' 75 Florida stores. In addition, Verizon Wireless will donate more than 10,000 free hands-free headsets (retail value of $100,000) to the public in cooperation with the FHP.
    Campaign materials will feature the slogan, "Drive responsibly...call with care" along with a photo of FHP Trooper Charlotte Thompson and a graphic encouraging the use of a headset for drivers using a wireless phone.
    "The FHP is committed to making our Florida roadways safe, and teaching wireless safety to the ever-increasing numbers of drivers using wireless phones will greatly help our mission," said Lieutenant Pat Santangelo. "We're very pleased to have Verizon Wireless provide its wide-ranging support, expertise and ability to reach the public in this important effort."
    The official launch of the campaign today included the unveiling of the first billboards in South Florida and Tampa areas, and a safety event at the Pompano Beach rest area on Florida's Turnpike. At the event, FHP officials including Trooper Thompson and Verizon Wireless representatives made a brief safety presentation to motorists and gave away more than 1,000 free headsets.
    "Verizon Wireless is very proud to join the FHP which for so long and so well has made our roads safe here in Florida," said Mike Lanman, Florida region president. "As the nation's largest wireless company, we feel a responsibility to be a leader in the safe use of wireless phones."
    For more wireless safety information, visit http://www.fhp.state.fl.us and http://www.verizonwireless.com
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