FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 22, 2003

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8409

RUFF AND TUFFS AWARDED AT CLOSE OF BUCKLE UP CAMPAIGN

COLUMBIA – Michael Foster and Ted Blankenship won Ruff and Tuff all terrain vehicles Monday following a drawing from among the thousands of South Carolinians who pledged to wear their safety belts.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Buckle Up, South Carolina ended recently. Foster, of Little Mountain and Blankenship, of Goose Creek, were on hand for Monday’s drawing at Finlay Park. Their names were drawn from a list of 10 finalists. Motorola two-way radio Talkabout sets were presented to the other seven finalists.

The Ruff and Tuff vehicles were donated by the manufacturers. Foster won the four-seat version, while Blankenship won a two-seat version of the vehicle.

The campaign was designed to encourage motorists to take the safety belt pledge in an effort to save lives and increase seat belt usage rates. The Buckle Up, South Carolina campaign kicked off prior to the busy and, unfortunately deadly, Thanksgiving travel season.

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