FEBRUARY 20, 2008

The Michigan Center for Truck Safety (MCTS) has presented Secretary of State

Terri Lynn Land and the Michigan Department of State with its "Partner in Safety Award" in recognition of their work.

Land received the award yesterday at the Michigan Trucking Association's annual Safety Banquet in Lansing. The Center presents the honor annually to individuals and organizations that help it achieve its mission to protect motorists through safer truck travel.

"Enhancing traffic safety is an important objective for the Department of State, and one of the ways we are doing so is by emphasizing truck safety," Land said. "I'm very pleased to accept this award on behalf of the department and its many employees, who remain committed to ensuring the safety of the people of Michigan. We look forward to working with the Center for Truck Safety and other groups for the good of our state in the months and years ahead."

MCTS director Michael T. Irwin commended Land and department employees for helping his organization promote its "Are you Truck SMART (Safe Motoring and Responsible Transportation)?" campaign and its new mobile safety training simulator.

"We appreciate the efforts of Secretary Land and her staff to help us promote highway safety in Michigan," Irwin said. "It is a great benefit to have the Department of State promoting our truck safety materials. We want to help all drivers learn how to share the road, and this allows us to reach that audience."

The department distributes Truck SMART brochures and broadcasts truck safety public service announcements as part of its programming for customers on the digital television network in branch offices. The Secretary also participated in a press conference with the Center last fall to promote its traffic safety programs.