FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2008-12-01

Florida Turnpike and State Farm® Safety Patrol to Offer Free Coffee and Roadside Assistance to Help Keep Travels Safe this Holiday Season

In an effort to make holiday travels safe and cheerful, Florida’s Turnpike and the State Farm Safety Patrol will serve free coffee and continuing 24 hour roadside assistance during the upcoming holiday travel season. Weary holiday travelers can stop in for a free cup of coffee at any of the Turnpike’s service areas, and stranded travelers can rely on the State Farm Safety Patrol to help get them safely to their holiday destination. To request help, simply dial *SP while on the Turnpike this holiday season. The free coffee will be available at the service areas during the following holiday periods: Christmas: Monday, Dec. 24, from 6 p.m. to Tuesday, Dec. 25 at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25, from 11p.m. to Wednesday, Dec. 26 at 6 a.m. New Years: Monday, Dec. 31, from 6 p.m. to Tuesday Jan. 1, at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1, from 11 p.m. to Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 6 a.m. “With so many travelers on the road, we want to do everything possible to help motorists arrive safely at their holiday destinations,” said State Farm Safety Patrol Driver Javier Villalobos, who covers the Turnpike near the Snapper Creek service area. Villalobos knows first-hand about helping motorists in need: he was honored this month with a national HERO Award* in Washington, D.C. for his heroic actions last Spring when he repeatedly dove into an alligator infested canal to pull a driver from a submerged SUV. Trained in quick clearance and traffic control procedures, State Farm Safety Patrol drivers reduce the probability of secondary accidents and dramatically reduce traffic delays on our roadways. In partnership with the Florida’s Turnpike, the State Farm® Safety Patrol provided free assistance to over 30,000 stranded motorists in 2007 on Florida’s Turnpike, the Homestead Extension, and the Sawgrass Expressway. State Farm Safety Patrol drivers respond to help motorists who are stranded due to problems such as flat tires, dead batteries, or an empty gas tank. Drivers are also trained in first aid, CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Based on the success and safety record of the program, State Farm Insurance has recently extended their commitment to the State Farm Safety Patrol for an additional four years from 2008 thru 2012. *The Hero Award is presented by American Towman Magazine and began in 1989. Each year, individuals are nominated for the Hero Award by those involved in the towing and road services industry. Approximately 10 individuals receive the award each year. The award is for, "the simple act of heroism". In almost every case, the individual has saved the life of another person by putting their own life in danger. Contacts: Florida Turnpike State Farm Insurance Michal Connolly 863.318.3088 Martin Petroleum 

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