Traffic Safety Hits a Home Run with Tigers; Comerica Park to Assist with Efforts to Reach 90% Safety Belt Use

DETROIT, May 28, 2004 -- The Detroit Tigers and Comerica Park are hoping to help make it a record-breaking season in Michigan this year. Record- breaking for safety belt use that is.

The Tigers are teaming up with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) to boost safety belt use to 90 percent, making Michigan the first state east of California to achieve this distinction.

Comerica Park parking lots are sporting new Click It or Ticket signs and stadium announcers will remind fans to buckle up during games this Memorial Day weekend. Tonight's game will feature a special welcome announcement recognizing Tim Waxler, a "saved by the belt" survivor and law enforcement officers who are engaged to strict enforcement efforts during this popular travel time.

Sporting events are an ideal venue for traffic safety messages, according to state traffic safety officials. That's because a core fan base, young men, is consistently the least likely to buckle up.

"This partnership definitely is one for the win column," said Michael L. Prince, OHSP division director.

The partnership developed through the TEAM Coalition whose members include both Major League Baseball and NHTSA. TEAM is an alliance of professional sports, entertainment facilities, concessionaires, the beer industry, broadcasters, governmental traffic safety experts, and others working together to promote responsible drinking, increased safety belt use and positive fan behavior at sports and entertainment facilities.

TEAM executive director Jill Pepper, said, "The Tigers are a great example of a professional sports organization that prioritizes the safety and enjoyment of their fans' experience through programs and policies that encourage responsible behavior. The Click It or Ticket message is a perfect compliment."

"It is important for the Detroit Tigers to utilize Comerica Park for causes such as Click It or Ticket," Detroit Tigers Vice President of Park Operations Tim Padgett said. "We are happy to participate in such an endeavor to keep all Tigers fans safe on the highways."

A two-week national safety belt mobilization started Monday and continues through June 6. More than 500 Michigan law enforcement agencies are making safety belt enforcement a priority in an effort to increase safety belt use.

TEAM's membership includes Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League, ARAMARK, Beer Institute, Anheuser-Busch Companies, Miller Brewing Company, Coors Brewing Company, National Association of Broadcasters, International Association of Assembly Managers, ESPN/ABC Sports, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For more information on the TEAM Coalition please log on to http://www.teamcoalition.org/