#102
SAFETY BREAK
FREE COFFEE & TEA ON
CHRISTMAS EVE & NEW YEAR�S EVE
DECEMBER 18, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ � The winter holiday season has arrived and once again the New Jersey Turnpike Authority will be offering free coffee, tea and milk to drivers stopping at any of the roadway�s 12 Service Areas on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year�s Eve and New Year�s Day. The free beverages will be offered from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. the following day.
The Turnpike Authority has been providing free coffee, tea and milk to motorists on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for the last eight years. On New Year�s Eve and New Year�s Day, free beverages have been a tradition at the Authority for the past 38 years.
The Authority�s annual Holiday Safety Program is a courtesy to its patrons and represents a joint effort with HMSHost, the operator of the Turnpike�s 12 Service Areas. The safety break encourages motorists to take advantage of an opportunity to rest, relax and recuperate after hours of travel. Safe travel for the motoring public is the greatest gift the Authority can give its patrons.
Turnpike Authority Executive Director Edward Gross stressed that safety for the motoring public is one of the Authority�s top priorities. "Our patrons� safety is the Authority�s main focus all year�24 hours a day, 7 days a week," Mr. Gross said. "The offering of free coffee, tea and milk during this holiday season is evidence of our commitment to go beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety of the motoring public," he added. This annual effort encourages the motoring public to take a break during long distance driving.
State Police Troop D will be patrolling the 148-mile superhighway on alert for drivers who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or those who may be fatigued. Troopers will be strictly enforcing all traffic, parking and hitchhiking regulations over the holiday period.
For current Turnpike traffic conditions, motorists can tune to the Highway Advisory Radio 1610 AM south of Interchange 14 of 590 AM north of Interchange 14. Motorists can also call the Turnpike�s Highway Advisory telephone number at 800-33-NJTPK (800-336-5875). The Authority�s web site, www.state.nj.us/turnpike, also provides general holiday traffic information.