Kathy Liebler                         Director of Public Information

    C   O   M   M   I   S   S   I   O   N                N   E   W   S             R   E   L   E   A   S   E

    Contact: Kay Jenkins Rew,  (610) 279-1645                     April 7,1998

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PA TURNPIKE URGES EASTER WEEKEND MOTORISTS
TO BUCKLE UP AND TAKE THEIR TIME

Philadelphia, PA -- As the Easter weekend nears, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is reminding holiday drivers to safely secure all children and passengers riding in their vehicles and to avoid drowsiness by taking frequent breaks while traveling.

Turnpike Executive Director John T. Durbin said, "We are encouraging Turnpike motorists to schedule rest stops when planning their travel, and make sure everyone is buckled up. Such simple measures can help ensure a happy and successful Easter holiday period."

Close to one million motorists are expected to travel the Turnpike from Friday, April 10 at 12:01 a.m. through Sunday, April 12 at midnight. Additional Pennsylvania State Police and Turnpike maintenance forces will patrol the Turnpike, strictly enforcing traffic and seat belt laws, and aiding stranded motorists. Pennsylvania State Police Commanding Officer (Troop T) Captain Richard A. Stein remarked, "Driving long distances without stopping can create a hypnotic condition which can cause serious crashes. We strongly encourage Turnpike motorists to stop and rest at regular intervals." Captain Stein also reminds drivers that by wearing seat belts, the risk of fatalities are cut by 45 percent.

Motorists can take safety breaks at any of the Turnpike's 22 service plazas. All service plazas are open 24-hours a day, several days a week and offer travelers a wide variety of food, services and other conveniences such as fueling facilities, rest rooms, telephones, ATMs, gift shops and travel information. Motorists using the Turnpike's Northeast Extension should be aware that the parking lot at the Hickory Run Service Plaza is under construction and is closed to southbound cars and trucks. Northbound cars and trucks may enter the service Plaza.

If drivers do need assistance, emergency call boxes are located at one mile intervals on both sides of the highway throughout the Turnpike system and provide a direct link to Turnpike dispatchers in Harrisburg. To obtain emergency assistance, cellular phone users can dial star 1-1 (*11).

Construction activity will be scheduled to provide two available lanes in each direction between Thursday, April 9 at 3:00 p.m. through Tuesday, April 14 at 6 p.m. Oversized and overweight vehicles (8 1/2 feet wide, 85 feet long, 13 1/2 feet high, and 100,000 pounds gross weight) will be banned on the Turnpike from sundown Thursday, April 9 through sunrise Tuesday, April 14.

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         P.O. Box 67676, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676         Phone: (717) 939-9551         Fax: (717) 986-9649