State Farm(R) to Help Prevent Unforeseen Risks at Crash Sites

National Forum Aims to Alert Rescue Personnel Professionals and Victims on Hidden Dangers

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., June 21 -- As the summer driving season begins, and roadways become more congested, drivers may not realize that the same safety features that keep them safe in an accident, can be deadly to rescue workers. As auto manufacturers include required safety mechanisms such as front and side air bags in new cars to help keep drivers and passengers safe, vehicle rescue professionals must learn how to avoid these potential hazards, in order to prevent personal injury and extricate crash victims quickly and safely. To address growing concerns in the field of auto extrication, State Farm(R) will host a nationwide educational program for rescue professionals on Friday, June 23. The program builds on State Farm's long history of supporting and generating good neighbor safety initiatives.

"Today, we find ourselves in an unusual situation. Modern vehicle technology has evolved tremendously, but in doing so, has created potentially dangerous challenges for first responders," said Earl Hyser, superintendent of State Farm's Vehicle Research Facility (VRF). "Through educational programming, State Farm reinforces the importance of automotive safety and enables emergency professionals to perform their jobs without putting their own safety at risk."

At State Farm's VRF, a lab where in-house automotive experts thoroughly examine pre-and-post production vehicles, a team of researchers carefully study new vehicles in the areas of design and construction. Through their extensive research, the VRF is able to provide up-to-date information on vehicle technology that pose potential threats and challenges to rescue workers.

State Farm's VRF - in conjunction with the Illinois Fire Service Institute and automotive extrication instructor, Ron Moore - will share a wealth of automotive expertise and demonstrate proper extrication techniques when "Auto Design & Extrication Forum 2006" is conducted live from the VRF on June 23, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CDT.

During the program, extrication simulations will give first responders a taste of situations they may encounter in the field. Topics featured during the program will include the design and construction of side impact areas with high-strength materials which present difficulties to cut through, potential hazards of dual stage airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners, and extrication demonstrations -- topics that can directly affect an extrication and can put the victim and the rescue professional at risk.

Fire department, EMS and other first responder units are highly encouraged to participate in the two-hour lifesaving program.

About State Farm

State Farm(R) insures more cars than any other insurer in North America and is the leading U.S. home insurer. State Farm's 17,000 agents and 68,000 employees serve over 74 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada. State Farm also offers financial services products through State Farm Bank(R). State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 22 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com(R) or in Canada statefarm.ca(TM).