JULY 1, 2009

Secretary Land: Find full-service gas stations with online resource

Motorists with disabilities can make their travels easier by remembering The Pump Guide as they prepare for a long Fourth of July weekend, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land advised Michigan residents today.

The Pump Guide is an online directory of gas stations statewide that offer travelers with disabilities full service at self-service prices. The site, found at www.ThePumpGuide.com, was created by Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America, a nonprofit organization.

"As people with disabilities plan a fun trip across our great state, their first stop should be to The Pump Guide," Land said. "The site allows them to map out their trip ahead of a time with the assurance that full-service gas stations are ready to assist them."

To qualify for refueling assistance, drivers are required to display a state-issued disability license plate or placard.

Michael Harris, executive director of the veterans group, joined Land in promoting The Pump Guide. Harris, who is a paraplegic, came up with The Pump Guide idea during a 2001 business trip.

"I discovered that finding a full-service station was often hit or miss, and I realized that other drivers with disabilities had the same problem," Harris said. "The Pump Guide offers help for drivers with permanent or temporary physical challenges. It's a great way to encourage independence while traveling."

The Pump Guide's online program allows users to:

• Search for stations by county
• Identify stations near a specific location or by ZIP code
• Plan a trip using directions that include participating stations along the route

More than 900 gas stations statewide participate in The Pump Guide program. In addition to locations and hours, the guide also lists those stations that include car washes, ATMs, accessible restrooms and other amenities. The paralyzed veterans organization gets its information from an annual mailing to gas stations.

Land and Harris' organization first partnered in 2005 when they unveiled The Pump Guide bookmark campaign. The ongoing campaign provides residents who receive a disability license plate or placard with a bookmark printed with the guide's online address. The reverse side of the bookmark encourages people to renew their vehicle and watercraft registration online instead of visiting a Secretary of State office.

Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America is celebrating almost 50 years of service. It is a nonprofit organization that offers advocacy and assistance for veterans who have spinal cord injuries or diseases.

Additional information about the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America can be found at www.michiganpva.org.

For more information about the Secretary of State programs and services, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.