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Editor’s Note

Our thanks to Perry Cogburn of Virginia DOT and Matt Smith of Michigan DOT who shared their perspective on the outsourcing model and to William Capone of Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Steve Travia of Illinois DOT who explained their reasoning for not outsourcing the states' SSP programs.

Editor’s Note

It’s hot out there and while cars are overheating and Safety Service Patrols are on patrol to help stranded motorists in the summer heat, Safe Highway Matters’ team is hard at work researching, writing and networking the most recent developments, best practices and newsworthy information on Safety Service Patrols nationwide. It was a busy quarter with Safe Highway Matters reporting the most “News & Notes” yet from patrol coverage expansion to changes in vehicle design to sponsorship launches to SSP impersonators.

Our feature piece this quarter focuses on the noticeable trend of outsourcing Safety Service Patrol operations and the benefits and disadvantages of states implementing an outsourcing model. Safe Highway Matters looked at states who have outsourced their patrols and those states who have chosen to remain a state run program. Our thanks to Perry Cogburn of Virginia DOT and Matt Smith of Michigan DOT who shared their perspective on the outsourcing model and to William Capone of Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Steve Travia of Illinois DOT who explained their reasoning for not outsourcing the states’ SSP programs. Outsourcing is an interesting and intriguing option for many states, while for others it is not an option currently under consideration. The environment for SSP patrols can change overtime and what is most important, whether through outsourcing or solely state funding, is that these patrols stay in effect on America’s highways for the safety of motorists and of roadway personnel.

The National Chart under our Resources section of SafeHighways.org has been updated this quarter. We are always looking for the most up to date information on patrols across the country. Check for your patrol on our chart and email Assistant Editor, Elizabeth LaBelle at elabelle@travelersmarketing.com with any corrections or updates. Our Twitter, Facebook and Forum pages are also available for those SSP profressionals who prefer to communicate socially.

This publication and organization were created for SSP professionals and will grow and develop with more of your feedback, so please reach out to us, discuss the issues and articles found within this and previous editions of Safe Highway Matters and share your thoughts with our staff.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Wishing you safe travels,

Rita Gallagher

Editor in Chief

Back to Safe Highway Matters: Summer 2011

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